n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING TREATMENT? Yes. We know from research that well-nourished children tolerate therapy better and have fewer treatment
delays due to illness. It may be difficult for your child to resume normal eating habits while receiving therapy, so you will need to be flexible and creative. The child’s food preferences and tastes may change throughout therapy. Numerous small meals are often easier to tolerate than three large ones. Children usually are more interested in eating foods that they help prepare. Include your child in the social activity of family meals even if they don’t eat full meals. Remember, nobody wins food fights—it is best not to force your child to eat. Make sure that foods high in protein and carbohydrates are readily available. Multivitamins, herbs, and all other medicines should be
approved by your healthcare team before you give them to your child because they may interact with the chemotherapy medications. A dietitian trained in the energy needs of children with cancer can offer you guidance. The medical staff can intervene if there is a nutritional problem.
n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING TREATMENT? Your child’s ability to attend school will depend on the intensity of the therapy and their response to treatment. Some children tolerate chemotherapy better than others. Your child may not be able to attend school for extended periods, but it is important that your child keep up with his or her schoolwork. Talk to staff at your child’s school about arranging services, including help from a home tutor, until he or she is able to return to school. You also should discuss school attendance with your child’s doctor. Many pediatric hospitals have education programs that enable children to attend school while hospitalized. School is important because it helps children maintain social contact with their peers. Having time with friends will be an important part of your child’s recovery and will ease the adjustment when he or she returns to school. It is important for your child to return to school as soon as he or she is medically able to do so.
n ONLINE RESOURCES CureSearch www.curesearch.org National Cancer Institute, Bone Cancer http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/bone/bone-fact-sheet American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma/index
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