But having these thoughts should not stop you from doing a number of things. And the first is finding the facts. The word cancer can mean different things to different people. Every diagnosis is different just as every patient is different. Before you go much further, find out exactly what is the cancer and how it will be treated. Feeling guilty is one thing. Being ignorant is another. Get all the facts.

You may take some time to work through your emotions - the shock, the anger, the fear and the guilt. That's where loved ones can be a big help. Rely on them and in return give them all the support you can. But here's some practical advice. Have someone take notes when you meet with the medical professionals. Your thoughts may well be racing but someone you trust who can attend meetings and take notes will be a big help.

Feeling guilty may be a natural reaction but it can also be destructive. Feelings of guilt can add stress to your already stressed mind and your own health will suffer. Do all you can to remove those feelings of guilt. Your child needs you fit and well to help them in their fight against the cancer. A clear head and a steely determination have no room for feelings of guilt.

Some behavioral scientists recommend the letting off of steam and if you have a room or a vacant place where you can let your anger and frustrations go free, then this may help. Certainly bottling up feelings of anger and guilt will not help. Let it go.

Try and think of the medical staff in the way you hope your child thinks of you. Your child trusts you to provide for them and protect them. To help your own health, treat the doctors and nurses with that same degree of trust. Put yourself in their hands and allow their skill and experience to carry you through as your child puts their trust in you their parent.

Guilt is a sneaky creature. It creeps up on you and makes all kinds of nasty suggestions. Guilt tells you that living where you live has caused the cancer. Or maybe it is alcohol or tobacco. Or maybe there is a cancer gene in your family and you have passed it on to your child. Guilt has many guises and can have a serious impact. You can avoid or lessen your guilt by talking to the medical staff treating your child and discovering exactly what has happened.

You can talk to a therapist who treats people suffering stress from family illness. You can talk to other parents who have a child suffering from cancer. You can accept that what has happened has happened and all that can now be done is help your child win their battle