The Dying and the Moment of Death of an Oncologically Ill Child

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the perception and experience of dying and the moment of death of an oncologically ill child from the parental perspective. The main intention is to point out the existence and meaning of this moment. The secondary aim is to discover what parents are experiencing during these moments. The interviews were conducted with eight women and five men. Children were diagnosed with osteosarcoma, testicular sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and liver cancer. We used qualitative methodology. The results show that this moment can be perceived as sacred. It has been shown that the dignity of this moment is essential for the parents, as also the need to be with the child in the situation of dying, of the death itself, and also in the hours following death. There is present pain, fear, mutual closeness and peace of mind, and a friendly and respectful attitude of the staff.