Like being covered in a wet and dark blanket-parents’ lived experiences of losing a child to cancer

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Purpose: The aim of this study was to illuminate parents’ lived experiences of losing a child to cancer. Design/Methods: Method: Interviews and written narratives about parents’ experiences of losing a child to cancer were gathered from six parents of children whom had participated in a longitudinal study across the child’s illness trajectory. The analysis of the data was inspired by van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Results: Preliminary Results: One essential theme emerged; Like being covered in a wet and dark blanket, as well as five related themes; Feeling powerless and distressed, Trying to get ready for the moment of death, Continuing parenting after death, Working through the sorrow and Wanting to comprehend life into a new integrated whole. Conclusion: Conclusion: It is important that the healthcare staff is trained in communication strategies to be able to support the parent to have an open dialogue with the child about his or her impending death. There is a need for good palliative care. If not, there is a risk that the parent will perseverate and blame themselves for not being a good parent during the suffering child’s last time in life. After the child has died, the parents need support from the health care staff over a long period of time. Meetings with the parents six months and two years after the child’s death might facilitate healing through the grief process.