6
Initial Impact
If you have recently been told that your child is suffering from a DIPG you will be
feeling shocked, bewildered, and frightened about the future.You may not know
much about cancer as a group of diseases and are trying to link what you do know
to your child’s condition.
We were told that Katie may live for six, nine or 12 months,which of course was
incredibly hard to take in and we were thrown into a fast-moving, unknown world
which we were desperate to escape from. It is very important that you rely at this
time on the information given to you by your consultant and his or her team.
Try not to be overly distracted by what other, no doubt well-meaning, people may
tell you and always feel that you can plan for your child as well as question what
is happening.
You will receive so much information at the time of diagnosis that it’s impossible
to take it all in so this booklet aims to enable you to take one step at a time by
covering most of the issues which may occur at different times throughout your
child’s treatment.
Cancer is a word which covers a huge range of conditions which differ in
cause, treatment and cure so it’s vital you focus on your own child and the
facts of his or her particular situation. And be sure to think about the options
available before deciding the best way forward for your child.
Section 1