n HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? Children often think that something they did caused their cancer; it will help if you reinforce that this is not the case. Make sure your child understands that your feelings of anger and sadness are directed at the cancer, not at them. This will help to keep your relationship honest and maintain closeness. Your child will need to share their feelings with someone that they trust. Sometimes, children choose to share feelings with someone other than a parent because they are afraid that they might upset the parent. Don’t be afraid to ask your child about their feelings—it may be what your child is waiting for. Also, don’t be afraid to share information with your child about what is happening and why. The things children sometimes imagine on their own are often more frightening than what is actually happening. In spite of your child’s disease, keep in mind that they are still a child first. All children need love, attention, the opportunity to learn and try new skills, and limits. As your child goes through cancer treatment keep in mind that they still have all the needs of a growing child. Do not avoid talking to your child about therapy, using explanations your child will understand. Children tolerate treatment better if they understand it and if they are allowed to help make decisions about their care when appropriate. Keeping information from your children will force them to use their imaginations and draw their own conclusions about their situations. These conclusions can be much more frightening than the reality of the situation. As a parent it is difficult to watch your child go through cancer therapy. 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. Accepting the changes in your child that the cancer and the treatment may cause is often difficult, but keep in mind that many of them, like hair loss, 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? Yes. Research has shown that well-nourished children tolerate therapy better and experience fewer treatment delays. Nausea and vomiting can be a distressing side effect 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 avoid junk foods and foods that are high in salt in favor of more nutritious foods.
If your child is on steroid medications such as prednisone or Decadron® (dexamethasone), their appetite will likely be increased. While on these medicines, your child may be constantly hungry and may crave unusual foods. Your child may want one particular food constantly. Try to keep healthy snacks on hand. Steroids may cause your child to gain weight and develop a round face and puffy appearance; these side effects are temporary. Your child’s hydration status is also an important part of their well-being. Offer your child fluids to drink frequently throughout the day. If your child is not drinking enough fluids throughout the day they may become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dizziness, and a dry mouth.
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