A narrative analysis of the stories of mothers who have parented a child with Hodgkin lymphoma who is currently in early survivorship

Aims and Objectives To explore the lived experience of mothers of children who have survived Hodgkin lymphoma, from diagnosis, through treatment and recovery as she has lived it and in her own words and to discuss the self‐reported experiences in the context of the theoretical propositions of Attachment Theory and birth order as it applies to the mother–child dyad with this life experience. Background While much has been written about childhood cancer survivors and their parents independently, there are unique struggles that a mother and a childhood cancer survivor face as a dyad. Examining the dyadic relationship over time offers a unique perspective to understanding the parenting experience with a child whose fate is uncertain. Design and Method Narrative Inquiry was utilised to explore the bonds the mother has with her child before he or she is diagnosed with cancer, the relationship during treatment and the subsequent relationship when the child has entered survivorship. Most specifically, the research explored the attachment of the mother to her child as it relates to the Caregiving System. A purposive sample of 13 mothers of children diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma representing children from each birth order category (youngest child, middle child, oldest child and only child) was chosen. The interviews were analysed through thematic analysis with final themes identified. Results Several core themes emerged from the narratives regardless of birth order. The most significant was the “need to protect.” Additional themes were “things will never be the same,” “unique bond,” “shifting priorities” and “lost innocence.” Conclusions and relevance to practice The research shows activation of the Caregiving Behavioral Response System as it relates as a reciprocal to Attachment Theory.