Grandparents have a variety of responses when they hear that their grandchild has cancer. They may feel shock and disbelief.

Grandparents may feel:

• guilty for living a long life
• they are responsible, thinking they in some way passed cancer through the family
• sadness for their son or daughter as well.

Grandparents can be a great help to you and your family.

• if they are still in good health and can be with you, they can relieve you in the hospital or help you at home
• a grandparent may also give your other children the attention and comfort that they need
• grandparents can also serve as contact persons, giving  information to other family members, so you don't have to spend as much time on the phone or emailing
• including grandparents in meetings with the medical team can help them understand the plan of care for their child.