How Games have Helped this Cancer Patient: An Interview with a 9-year-old
Hello dear readers, a few months ago, the 9-year-old sister of a close friend was given the news that she had lymphoma. Her name is Tabitha, and though she will make a full recovery, the treatment is exceptionally draining and exhausting both physically and mentally. It has pulled her completely out of normal life and school, where she would otherwise be completing year 4 creating a very difficult time for her and her family.
However, in the midst of a heavy day of treatment and check ups, the Starlight Room offers a welcome break and opportunity to have fun! The Starlight Room
is a room full of games and creative things to do. Daily varied craft activities and movies are options, as well as gaming on some of the many consoles provided. Gaming has had a particularly strong impact on Tabitha’s life, as it gives her something to engage with and play with others, as well as giving a sense of achievement.
Without further ado, here is the interview.
When did you find out you had cancer?
It was the long weekend just before school started, the long weekend of Australia day (26th of January).
How often are you in hospital and how long are your stays?
Im there at least once a week, for about a day and then I go home in the afternoon. But if my temperature gets over 38, or I don’t have enough blood cells, or something isn’t right then I have to stay over night.
Were you into gaming before you had to frequently be in hospital?
Yes, but not as much as I am now. I played a bit on the iPad and played Mario kart, but I wasn’t very good. Not as good as I am now.
What does your treatment entail?
First I go to SEALS, [South Eastern Area Laboratory Services] which is a place where they take blood, then I go to C2 North [a ward in the hospital] and then I get my height and weight checked Then I see my doctor, and then I normally go to bed. After that I go to starlight sometimes, then I get accessed [a process so she doesn’t have to get cannulas and needles; how the chemo goes in], have the chemo treatment, then I get de-accessed, and have a final temperature check. If everything goes well I go home in the car.
When did you start making use of the starlight express room?
About when I started protocol 1B. When I first started getting treatment and started finding out about everything. [Protocols are what drugs you have to have, how long you take them for, when you have to come in]
What is your favourite thing to do there?
I like the craft table, because there’s something new everyday, and the gaming. I like Wii sports resort, Mario Kart 8, and other games. They have 6 TVs, an Xbox, three Wiis, a Wii U, a touch screen television and other things maybe.
Do you enjoy gaming now?
Yes, I like playing games. I play a lot, especially Hay Day and Mario kart and Minecraft.
Does the Starlight Room help you interact with others and make friends and have fun?
Yes, I have met a few friends there, and other people. I sometimes play Mario kart with my friends and my family there.
Do you find it helps you escape from treatment?
Yes, it helps me relax and unwind and have a break. I’m a lot happier when I'm there and doing the activities and playing games.
What is the best thing about that room and what it offers?
The best thing about the room is the beanbags, because you can just sit down and relax and watch movies. The games and activities they have are good as well because we don’t have them at home. It’s really good to go to with my family when we don’t have anything else to do. There isn’t much to do in the ward.
Anything else you want to add about your experience?
I hate cyclophosphamide. I have it on Thursdays and it makes my back hurt. My favourite game is Mario Kart 8 and I’ve gotten very good at it. I can beat my sister now.
After the interview, Tabitha went to bed. Her sister, Xanthe, explained some of the medical terms and added this at the end.
Having all the games is really good for her, because often she can’t move from pain and tiredness. Having the distraction and something to do is really helpful to her. Minecraft is particularly good because it gives her a chance to be creative and allows for a sense of achievement when she makes a house, or something similar.
Gaming has had a really big impact on her life that lots of people don’t notice. Some people comment that she is antisocial, but it really makes her so much happier. It is really great to see her excited when she makes something on Minecraft, or beats me at Mario Kart. Even though it might seem a small achievement, a lot of the time its the biggest thing she can do. It makes us happy to see a smile on her face and over all, gaming has been a good and inspiring thing in her life.
Conducted by Danielle Worton