n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING TREATMENT? 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), his or her appe- tite 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 his or her well being. It is important to offer your child fluids to drink frequently throughout the day. If your child is not drinking enough fluids, he or she may become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dizziness, and a dry mouth. Multivitamins, herbs, and medicines should be avoided unless approved by your child’s healthcare team. They can interact with your child’s chemotherapy. A dietician is a part of your child’s healthcare team. He or she is trained in the calorie and nutritional needs of children. The dietician can provide you with information regarding your child’s dietary needs as well as ideas about how you can meet these needs during treatment. Your child’s healthcare team will monitor your child’s nutritional status, height, and weight during and after treatment in order to try to prevent problems. When there is a concern about nutritional problems, your child’s healthcare team will intervene.
n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL DURING TREATMENT? Your child’s ability to attend school during therapy will de- pend on the intensity of the treatment as well as your child’s response to treatment. There may be extended periods when your child is unable to attend school because of hospitaliza- tions or treatments. However, it is important that, even during these times, your child keep up with his or her schoolwork. Talk with your child’s healthcare team and school about ar- ranging for homebound services, including a tutor, until he
or she is able to return to school. Many children’s hospitals have school programs that allow patients to attend school while hospitalized. These programs often help coordinate home tutors as well as obtain homework and schoolwork. Discuss your child’s ability to attend school with the healthcare team. Some children are able to attend school between hospitalizations or treatments and use homebound services. The healthcare team can help coordinate the school services your child needs. When a child returns to school for the first time after start- ing treatment or at the end of therapy, many healthcare teams go to the school to educate teachers and students prior to a student’s return. Once your child does return to school, the healthcare team can continue to assist you with getting any special services your child may need.
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