IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING TREATMENT? Yes, your child’s diet is important. Research has shown that well- nourished children tolerate treatment 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, choose more nutritious foods. Your child’s nurse or dietitian can help you put together a list of possible food choices.
If steroid medications, such as prednisone or dexamethasone (Decadron), are part of the treatment, your child’s appetite will likely be increased. These medicines may make your child feel constantly hungry and 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, but these side effects are temporary. 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. However, it is important that your child keep up with schoolwork, even during these times. 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 to arrange for a tutor or finding other ways to help your child stay on track with schoolwork.
Discuss with the 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.
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