Aplastic Anemia Patient & Family Handbook

that he or she is still a child. All children need love, attention, the opportunity to learn and try new skills, and limits. As your child goes through treatment, keep in mind that he or she still has all the needs of a growing child. Do not avoid talking to your child about therapy; use direct terms and explanations your child will understand. Children tolerate treatment better if they understand it and are allowed to help make decisions about their care when appropriate. As a parent, it may be difficult to watch your child go through a serious illness and treatment. Your child may sometimes seem sicker than before the therapy. Your feelings about what your child is going through during treatment must be balanced with the knowledge that treatment provides the chance of curing

the disease and having your child live a full and meaningful life. Ac- cepting the changes in your child that the aplastic anemia and the treatment may cause often is difficult, but keep in mind that many of these changes are often temporary. Always remember that, despite outward changes, your child is still the same person on the inside.

n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING THERAPY?

Your child’s diet is very important during therapy. Research has shown that well-nourished children toler- ate therapy better. Offer foods that are high in calories, protein, and carbohydrates. Small frequent meals often are better tolerated than three larger meals. When possible, avoid junk foods and foods that are high in salt in favor of more nutritious foods. Your child’s hydration status is also an important part of his or her well being. It is important to offer your child fluids to drink frequently throughout the day, or he or she may become dehydrated. Signs of dehy- dration include decreased urine output, dizziness, and a dry mouth. Multivitamins, herbs, and medicines should be avoided unless approved by your child’s healthcare team. These medications may interact with your child’s therapy. A dietician is a part of your child’s healthcare team. He or she is trained in the caloric and nutritional needs of children. The dietician can provide you with information regarding your child’s dietary needs and

ideas about how you can meet these needs during treatment. Your child’s healthcare team will monitor your child’s nutri- tional status, height, and weight during and after treatment to try to prevent problems. When there is a concern about nutri- tional problems, your child’s healthcare team will intervene.

n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING THERAPY?

Your child’s ability to attend school during therapy will depend on the intensity of the treatment, your child’s response to treatment, and how susceptible to infection your child is based on the ANC. There may be extended periods when your child is unable to attend school because of hospitalizations or

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