Treatment for childhood Lymphoma: The Fathers' Perspective

Abstract

To address the lack of psycho-social research focusing specifically on childhood Lymphoma, this paper considers the factors unique to Lymphoma as compared with other paediatric haematological disorders and how this impacts upon the experience and coping strategies of fathers of this group. A fiveyear longitudinal study was conducted that explored the treatment experience for families coping with haematological disorders (including six families with a child with Lymphoma). Important issues highlighted by fathers of Lymphoma children included emotional issues such as the denial of emotions, the use of humour as a mechanism for dealing with stresses of the situation, the valuing of positive relationships with treating doctors and nurses, dealing with relationship issues (including a desire not to express Treatment for Childhood Lymphoma: The Fathers' Perspective Dr Pam McGrath, B.Soc.Wk., MA., Ph D NH & MRC Senior Research Fellow Director Mrs Emma Phillips, BA, LLB (hons) Research Officer International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR) Central Queensland University, Brisbane, PO Box 1307, Kenmore Qld 4069 , Australia Corresponding Author: Dr Pam McGrath, NH&MRC Senior Research Fellow, Director, International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research (IPP-SHR), Central Queensland University, Brisbane Office:, Postal Address: PO Box 1307, Kenmore Qld 4069, Australia Tel: (07) 3374 1792, Fax: (07) 3374 1792, E-mail: pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com, Website www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au their distress in order to protect their partner, a lack of time with their partner and the potential for the situation to bring about closeness or friction in the relationship), challenges dealing with people who haven't been through a similar situation and reflection on issues of death and dying. More pragmatic concerns ranged from the desire to obtain significant, clinical information on their child's condition, practical difficulties associated with frequent hospital visitations or extended stays (including accessing amenities and meals) and work related issues. The research is important in establishing that, despite the similarities, there are key differences that distinguish the experience of Lymphoma fathers from that of families with children with other haematological malignancies that have implications for the provision of care and support.