Resources
Finishing cancer treatment
Finishing cancer treatment can bring up unexpected feelings. It takes time to adjust, and we are here to support you.
Life After Cancer Treatment
Reaching the end of your child’s cancer treatment is a huge milestone, often marked by celebrations like ringing the bell. At the same time, this phase can bring a wide range of emotions – some that may feel unexpected or even conflicting.
Parents often describe this experience as being on a roller coaster, navigating a big storm, or being in a bubble, looking out at a world that feels changed. These reactions are completely normal, and the cancer experience doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Give yourself time to adjust. It can be helpful to take each day as it comes and accept that you may have both good and bad days.
It’s common for strong emotions to surface once treatment is over. During treatment, many parents feel like they’re “treading water,” focused solely on getting through each day without the chance to process everything that’s happening.
When treatment ends, it may feel like there’s finally space to catch your breath – and with that breath can come waves of emotion. Some families share that they feel more grateful for small moments, discover strengths they didn’t know they had, find clarity on what’s most important, or adopt a lighter approach to everyday stress. It’s equally as natural to experience feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, or grief.
From listening to many families, we know that these mixed emotions are common. Whatever you’re feeling, remind yourself that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to respond. There’s no pressure to feel a certain way, and it’s perfectly okay to take things at your own pace.
Finding a New Normal
Adjusting to life after treatment can be filled with ups and downs. While you may hope to return to a sense of “normalcy,” many families find that life looks different now, and that’s completely okay. Trying to get back to how things were before can be challenging, and it’s common to feel pressure – from others or even from within, to “return to your old self.”
Relationships, routines, priorities, and finances may have also changed during treatment.
Many families find it more helpful to focus on building a “new normal.” This concept acknowledges that life after cancer has changed, and while it may feel unfamiliar at first, new routines and a renewed sense of stability can develop over time. For example, some families may create small new traditions, such as weekend activities, cooking a favorite meal, going for a short walk, or having a family game night. You decide what works best for you and your family.
It’s important to acknowledge your own feelings and please remember that Redkite is here to support you as you help care for a family facing childhood cancer. You can contact us here
Request information And support
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The myRedkite Portal is where young people with cancer, their families, and those connected to them can access Redkite’s support services.
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The myRedkite Portal is where young people with cancer, their families, and those connected to them can access Redkite’s support services.
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The myRedkite Portal is where young people with cancer, their families, and those connected to them can access Redkite’s support services.
