n IS MY CHILD’S DIET IMPORTANT DURING TREATMENT? Diet is important during treatment. We know from research that well- nourished children tolerate therapy better and have fewer treatment delays because of illness. Children with leukemia have specific nutritional issues. Because some children experience persistent nausea and vomiting as a result of their illness or the side effects of treatment, proper nutrition is especially important. Your healthcare team will help to prevent and treat your child’s nausea. It may be difficult for your child to resume normal eating habits while on therapy, so you will need to be flexible and creative. Your child will better tolerate foods that are appealing to him or her. Whenever possible, try to choose foods that will provide calories and are high in protein and carbohydrates. Often, numerous, small meals are better tolerated than three larger meals. It also is important to frequently offer your child fluids throughout the day. Your child’s liquid intake is an important part of his or her well-being. Many children with leukemia take steroids at some point during their therapy. It is common to gain weight while taking this medication. Children who take steroids often have an increased appetite and food cravings. Whenever possible, it is helpful to avoid foods that are very salty and to choose healthy food over junk food. It may be helpful to remember that steroid-associated weight gain is usually temporary. Multivitamins, medicines, and herbs may cause unsafe interactions with chemotherapy and should always be approved by your doctor before you give them to your child. A dietitian/nutritionist is a part of the healthcare team. He or she is trained in the energy needs of children and also can provide guidance. Your healthcare team will monitor your child’s nutritional status, height, and weight during and after therapy. The team will try to prevent problems and suggest changes when there is a nutritional concern.
n CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING TREATMENT?
Your child’s ability to attend school and other activities (such as going to the grocery store, shopping mall, movies, or church) will depend on the intensity of the therapy and on his or her response to treatment. Some children tolerate chemotherapy and radiation better than others. Your child may not be able to attend school for extended periods because of the treatments or hospitalizations. In addition, your child may have some limitations related to surgery or treatment. However, it is important that your child keep up with his or her schoolwork. Talk to your healthcare team
and school personnel about arranging services, including help from a home tutor, until your child can return to school. Many pediatric hospitals have programs that enable children to attend school while hospitalized; these programs also can help with home tutoring and other school-related issues. After your child returns to school, the healthcare team will help you arrange for special services that your child may need at school.
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