Table 1. Theme, categories and subcategories describing children's experiences of radiotherapy.

Theme
It is tough and tiring but it works
Categories	Subcategories	Younger children 5–10 years	Older children 11–15 years
Positive and negative experiences with hospital stays and practical arrangements	Appreciating activities, being bored, and disliking waiting time	x	x
	Being together with, or missing siblings and peers	x	x
Age-appropriate information, communication, and guidance to various degrees	Having/lacking/missing information and communication about what is going to happen	x	x
	Having an explanatory visit and meeting with staff at the radiotherapy ward	x	x
Struggle with emotions	Being afraid and feeling anxiety	x	x
	Disliking and accepting the mask, the dot tattoo, and the machine	x	x
	Finding the right position and remaining motionless	x	x
	Disliking the sensations		x
	Suffering physical and psychological problems to various extents		x
	Appreciating small gifts	x
Use of distraction and other suitable coping strategies	Using a suitable media distraction	x	x
	Using problem-solving activities		x
	Using strategies to deal with emotions	x	x
	Wanting parents close by before, during, and after treatment	x
	Seeking support from parents, staff and peers		x
Children’s suggestions for improvement during radiotherapy	Desire for facilitating routines and suitable equipment	x
	Desire for specific, individualized, and easy-to-understand information		x
	Desire to choose the kind of distraction preferred	x	x
	Desire for gifts as encouragement	x	x
	Desire for sympathetic staff and continuity	x	x
	Desire for peers to talk to		x