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When a patient is diagnosed with a blood disorder
or with cancer, the whole family is affected. The family, not just
the patient, experiences frequent hospitalization, doctor visits,
and changes in routines. Siblings of patients often experience
feelings of confusion, guilt, anger, fear, abandonment, resentment
and rejection when their brother or sister is diagnosed. All of
these feelings are natural and are affected by the sibling’s
developmental level, perception of hospitalization, treatment, and
may fluctuate from day to day.
The siblings of patients living with cancer or a
blood disorder are provided with a 4 hour support group meeting.
During this meeting siblings have the chance to express their
feelings about their sibling, to enjoy time with other siblings with
similar feelings, and are provided with information concerning their
brother or sister. This day helps to facilitate understanding,
coping, and therapeutic expression for the sibling. All of these
things are accomplished through group activities, crafts, games, and
group discussion.
Parents are also provided with an hour support
group meeting. The social worker facilitates an open forum for the
parents of the siblings to talk about issues that they might be
experiencing with the brother or sister of a patient with cancer or
a blood disorder. Often parents feel guilty, pulled in many
different directions, or even overwhelmed by the emotions of all the
members of the family. This is hard on parents when they are trying
to care for a sick child, give attention to other siblings, as well
as go through their own emotions.
This program is offered at the Children's
Hospital Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Greenville Hospital
Systems.
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