n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT? 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 during therapy, so you will need to be flexible and creative. Often, several small meals during the day are tolerated better than three large meals. Children are usually more interested in eating foods that they have helped prepare. It also is important to include your child in the social activity of family meals even if he or she is not eating a full meal. 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, supplements, and all other medicines (both over-the-counter medicines and those prescribed by other doctors) should be approved by your healthcare team before you give them to your child, because they may cause an interaction with your child’s chemotherapy treatment or change the effectiveness of the treatment. A dietician trained in children’s calorie and energy needs can offer you guidance and food suggestions. The healthcare team also can intervene if your child develops a nutritional problem. You may choose to speak with a nutritionist if you have any questions. n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL? Your child’s ability to attend school will depend on the intensity of the therapy and his or her response to treatment. Some children tolerate therapy better than others. Your child may not be able to attend school for extended periods of time because of the treatment schedule or hospitalizations. However, it is important for your child to keep up with his or her schoolwork. Talk to the staff at your child’s school about arranging for a tutor or homebound teacher until he or she is able to return to school. You also should discuss school attendance with your child’s healthcare team. Many hospitals have programs that help children attend school while they are hospitalized. School is important because it helps children maintain social contact with other children of the same age. Maintaining 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.
ONLINE RESOURCES Histiocytosis Association www.histio.org
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