Qualitative research using case study that aimed to capture the daily life of the family of the infant with cancer. The empirical data were collected through semi-structured interview with three mothers in the period from May to June 2010. The interpretation of the data followed the basic rules of the thematic analysis. The results showed that cancer represents an impact for the family whose restructuring is promptly necessary in order to meet the needs of the sick child. In this scenario, the mother is seen as the foundation for the child monitoring, affecting the care for the mothering at home and for her other children. The mother experiences a huge pressure that involves emotional distress, besides physical exhaustion. The whole family suffers with the disease of the infant and in order to alleviate the suffering, the health team must use strategies that strengthen the links with the family.
Cancer; Infant; Family; Professional-family relations