Why do I have to stay in the hospital?
The hospital is a place where doctors and nurses help your body to get better. However, it is normal for anyone to feel scared, anxious, confused, angry or frustrated about having to stay in the hospital. When you know why you have to stay in the hospital, you will feel more safe and less anxious. Ask your doctor or parents to explain to you the process and what you can expect. Don’t be scared to ask questions about the tests, treatment or check-ups.
Some things might be a little uncomfortable, but you can always tell a parent, nurse or doctor if something worries you. The hospital is where doctors can watch you closely and give you the treatment that works best.
At home, you don’t have all the special equipment you need to treat your cancer. While you are in the hospital, you will not be alone. The nurses, doctors and the medical team who treat you will explain to you how things work and when at first you don’t understand what they are saying, you can ask them to explain it to you again.
The good news is that when the treatment is over, you will be able to go home.
Helpful approaches for your experience in the hospital:
Ask questions about the treatment, medicine or if it is going to hurt so that you know what to expect.
Tell the nurses and doctors how you feel, especially when you feel anxious or have pain.
Listen carefully when the nurses or doctors give you instructions. When you do as they ask, for example to sit still for a test or take your medication, it will help you to heal faster.
Do things that make you feel comfortable or relaxed like listening to music, play games on gadgets or with your favourite toy.
Ask if there is a hospital school in the hospital that you can go to or if there is a teacher that can come to you to help you with schoolwork. It will take your mind off the hospital environment and stimulate your mind if you do your schoolwork or play educational games.
Take things with you to the hospital that bring your comfort like your favourite pyjamas, toy, blanket or a stuffed animal. Your favourite books, colouring books, tablets or games could bring you lots of joy – don’t forget to pack it.
Some hospitals and treatment protocols have rules. First ask the doctor if you are allowed to bring your snacks with.
Have you met Keemo?
Keemo is a calf from South Africa. Very kind and friendly, Keemo is sharing his story about staying in the hospital and how he started treatment.
Found Keemo's video helpful? Click here for more content from Keemo.
Credits for all Keemo videos go to CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. (n.d.). 'Welcome to Kiddies Corner. Hey! I’m Keemo.'
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Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. When you have cancer, one of these cells in your body is growing faster than what they should. Normal cells grow, work and when our bodies don’t need them anymore, they die in a controlled way. A cancer cell doesn’t follow that rule and your body needs help to get rid of it.
Cancer is not contagious; you didn’t do anything to cause it.
Below are some interesting materials that you can check to better understand cancer.
What is happening to me?
You may ask: ‘Why is this happening to me? Will I be ok? Why do I have to go through this? What happens if I don’t get better?’