We went to the oncology office this week for the regular follow-up appointment and subsequent deep exhalation of stale and pent up breath that we have been holding for too long. Good news awaited in the form of a clean scan and future appointment are scheduled in hopes of explaining some concerning symptoms.
It did amuse me, though, when the provider greeted our son and remarked how we always brought “great things to entertain him”. It makes me wonder what other famlies with small children in tow do to keep their own little people happy. We have no nearby family so our son is frequently along for the ride. I also hold the opinion that it makes the situation less mysterious and hopefully less frightening to children to come along and see what it is all about. It is easier to talk about the doctors that are helping Daddy to feel better if he gets to come along and meet them and see their friendly faces.
So, with that in mind, here’s a peek into our little box of tricks…
Our little guy is four now but he was two when we startd our regular trips to this office. Preschoolers might enjoy watching the actual exam of Mommy or Daddy but there is often a lot of waiting before that part happens and ever that has a limited time offer. We have always taken some new amusement along with us to keep him busy and happy for a visit that is always longer than expected. Sticker books have been his addiction off and off for much of the last two years. After all, cancer magazines might be fascinating to me but they don’t hold much attraction for him. There have been coloring books and backpacks with snacks on a visit or two. Even a few select Matchbox cars have made the trip although that one can be risky depending on the day. In a pinch, there is always the back of a random envelope and a pen for tic-tac-toe or scribbles. We have also been known to bring the portable DVD player with a set of headphones. We don’t allow much screen time for him so a movie is a particular treat that he does not often have. (I seem to remember Frosty the Snowman playing in it during a holiday time appointment.) This time we had his Leap Frog Tag reading system with one earphone in his ear and the other in mine. And the office always has a jigsaw puzzle in some degree of completion and at recent appointments, he has delighted in contributing to that project while we burn some time the waiting room.
My survival tips for my husband’s medical appointments are simple. If our son is sick, he does not enter the waiting room. When he could not go, that meant I could not go. I suggest you have a back up plan or a friend that you can call in a pinch. Bring plenty of guaranteed diversions. If you can sneak something new into the bag, it just might help to save the day. Headphones are excellent for not only containing the noise we might create but also for helping us to shield him from excessive information at a young age. There are not often young children in waiting rooms so I have found that most patients and staff are happy to see a child in the office as long as the noise and chaos are under control.
Follow the clinic’s rules and wishes regarding children and where they are allowed to enter. Remember that chemo targets rapidly growing cells and what are children? Fast moving bundles of rapidly growing cells! Infusion areas are usually off limits for young children. Treatment days might be a good time to arrange a play date so that everyone has an easier day.
There is a bit of guilt that was packed into that backpack too. When I had to choose which of my boys to be with on any given day, I always grieved having to make that choice. Sending my husamd to infusion alone was sometimes a necessary evil. Sending my son off with someone else or constraining his enthusiam in the appointment never made me feel like Mother of Year either.
Let me hear form you. What survival tips did you employ to keep kids under control in the medical office setting?