Feelings evidenced by the parents and family members before the cancer diagnosis in the child

Abstract

Objective: To reveal the feelings evidenced by the family members of hospitalized children before the cancer diagnosis and highlight the main capabilities of the Nursing in assisting the confrontation of the disease. Method: It is a descriptive, exploratory and bibliographic research, with a qualitative approach, which was conducted through searches the in VHL, with full papers published in Portuguese in the last eight years. The used descriptors were: Child; Cancer; Diagnosis; Relationships between nurse and patient. 12 bibliographies were selected. Results: Three thematic categories have emerged: The imbalance in the social and family coexistence after the cancer diagnosis; Adaptation tools and coping strategies; and Holistic and humanized care from the nursing staff. Conclusion: The cancer requires the complete change of the life routine of the family, by bringing anguishes to the main caregiver, since it neglects the other members when taking care of the sick relative. The cancer drives the family members to feelings of fear and anxiety, also makes the faith in God and the religious belief of each of the members are maximized, thus creating greater hopes in relation to the healing.