Neuroblastoma Patient & Family Handbook

Your child needs to stay hydrated, too. 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. Multivitamins, herbs, and other supplements should be avoided unless approved by your child’s healthcare team to avoid interactions with your child’s chemotherapy. Please ask your healthcare team if you are considering any of these types of treatments. A dietitian may be part of your child’s healthcare team. Trained in the calorie and nutritional needs of children, the dietitian can explain your child’s dietary needs and 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 there is a concern about nutrition, your child’s healthcare team will talk with you about ways to improve your child’s nutrition. n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING TREATMENT? Your child’s ability to go to school during treatment will depend on the intensity of the treatment and your child’s response to treatment. There may be extended periods when your child is unable to go to school because of hospitalizations or treatments. However, it is important for your child to keep up with their schoolwork even when they cannot go to school. Federal laws ensure that your child can receive the same education as their peers. Talk with your child’s healthcare team and school about these laws. Then work with them to arrange for a tutor or other ways to keep your child on track with schoolwork. Discuss your child’s ability to attend school with the healthcare team. Some children are able to attend school between hospitalizations or treatments. Many hospitals and clinics have resources such as educational liaisons who will assist in coordinating school services and preparing for your child’s return to school by educating teachers and classmates.