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.
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.
“Families often tell me that finishing treatment isn’t the clear ending others might expect. It can feel more like stepping into the unknown. Some describe it as a roller coaster, a storm, or like being in a bubble, watching the world go on.“
“One parent once shared that they had a photo of their family from before cancer, and after treatment it felt like that picture had been torn into a thousand pieces. They tried to put it back together, but eventually realised it wasn’t possible, so they chose to take a new photo instead. For many families, this stage is about gently finding a new normal. It’s often a mix of relief, exhaustion, and emotion all at once. If that’s you, you’re not alone. What can help is trying to be kind and gentle with yourself and knowing there’s no right way to feel.” Katja, Social Worker
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 favourite meal, going for a short walk, or having a family game night. You decide what works best for you and your family.
It may also help to gently let the people around you know what kind of support feels most helpful now. That might be practical help, listening without fixing, or simply checking in.
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. Even when you leave hospital, the support from Redkite doesn’t end.
Request information And support
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