Retinoblastoma Patient & Family Handbook

IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING THE TREATMENT?

Yes, your child’s diet is important. Research has shown that well-nourished children tolerate treatment better and experience fewer treatment delays. If your child is receiving chemotherapy it may cause nausea and vomiting. These can be distressing side effects of treatment and your child’s healthcare team will prescribe medications to help prevent and treat these side effects. Your child may have difficulty eating normal meals during treatment. Foods that are appealing to your child will be tolerated better. Offer foods that are high in calories, protein, and carbohydrates. Small frequent meals are often better tolerated than three larger meals. When possible, choose more nutritious foods. Your child’s nurse or dietitian can help you put together a list of possible food choices. It is important to offer your child fluids to drink frequently throughout the day so that dehydration is avoided. Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dizziness, and a dry mouth. Multivitamins, herbs, and other supplements should be avoided unless approved by your child’s healthcare team because they can interact with your child’s treatment. Please ask your healthcare team if you are considering having your child take any of these types of supplements. A dietitian may be a member of your child’s healthcare team. Dietitians are trained in the calorie and nutritional needs of children. The dietitian can provide you with education regarding your child’s dietary needs and give you ideas about how to meet these needs during treatment. Your child’s healthcare team will monitor your child’s nutritional status, height, and weight during and after treatment to try to prevent problems. When a concern about nutrition arises, your child’s healthcare team will discuss with you the ways to manage and improve your child’s nutrition.

CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING TREATMENT?

Your child’s ability to go to school during therapy will depend on the intensity of the treatment and your child’s response to the treatment. There may be extended periods when your child is unable to go to school because of hospitalizations or treatments. Your child may have vision problems ranging from limited sight to complete blindness. As an infant or toddler, vision loss can affect your child’s natural development and adjustment to normal activities. In school-age children, vision loss can affect their ability to complete school work or easily move around their school. Your child, regardless of age, should have his or her vision checked to determine vision level and be referred for services for children with vision limitations. This could include mobility training, early intervention services, and individualized education plans (IEPs). The earlier your child begins receiving vision services, the better they will adjust to any vision impairments. It is important that your child keep up with schoolwork. Federal laws protect children with disabilities or illnesses to ensure that they receive the same education as their peers. Talk with your child’s healthcare team and school staff about these laws. Then work with them in arranging for a tutor or finding other ways to help your child stay on track with schoolwork. Discuss with your child’s healthcare team your child’s ability to attend school. Some children are able to attend school between hospitalizations or treatments. Many hospitals and clinics have resources such as educational liaisons to assist in coordinating school services and educating teachers and classmates to prepare them for your child’s return to school.