Terminating chemotherapy: another stage in coping with childhood leukemia.

As physicians become increasingly capable of managing the physical aspects of cancer, the psychological responses of patients and their families take on growing importance. The present study sought to assess the psychological experience of parents whose leukemic children are finishing chemotherapy. Nineteen mothers and one father of children whose chemotherapy had been discontinued were interviewed. The results suggested that negative reactions including anxiety and fears relating to relapse may be a normal emotional response. This paper discussed aspects of the experience of caring for a leukemic child that contribute to this fear and anxiety and possible ways of easing parents' discomfort.