Chemotherapy and Its Side Effects

Kids don’t get cancer very often. And many of those who do get it can be treated and cured. Common cancer treatments include chemotherapy, which means getting anti-cancer drugs through an IV, and radiation, which means powerful energy waves (like X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells. Surgery also might be done to remove tumors. And in some cases, such as leukemia, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant might be done to help a kid be healthy again.

PROBLEMS AFTER/DURING CHEMOTHERAPY

The most common problem when dealing with cancer is the oral hygiene. The children will have to rinse their mouth frequently. It would be better if they could regularly brush, and rinse with baking soda and water or luke warm salt water. It would be best to avoid commercials mouth washes as it worsen the already irritated mouth.

Possible Side Effects:

Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to the head can result in various side effects but temporarily, especially when coming to taste and smell. They would like to have their meals either cool or at room temperature. The best would be to try a variation of meals, or drinks (trial and error method).

Poor eating habits: It is common for the child to change their eating habits and incur loss of appetite when they are under medication. Parents should try to give the child small, nutritious snacks, and also carry with them the same which can handy so that when your child does get hungry. The following tips too might come in handy:

• Try to make mealtime an enjoyable experience and praise a healthy appetite or good eating habits.
• Keep your child’s mouth clean with regular rinsing and brushing.
• Provide high-calorie, high-protein foods to help your child make the most of each snack or meal.
• Let your child help you shop and prepare the foods.
• Avoid arguing, nagging, or punishing a child who is unwilling to eat.

Constipation: Medications, changes in eating habits and decreased physical activity can cause constipation and infrequent bowel movements. If the introduction of high in fibre eatables does not help ease the condition, then their doctor might recommend them some medicines which will help them bring their bowel movements back to regular, if not back to normal. However, if the problem is caused by chemotherapy, then it would do better if the child was put on low-residue diet than a high fibre one.

Diarrhoea : Radiation therapy to the pelvic area, bowel surgery, or certain types of chemotherapy can cause diarrhoea. If your child has diarrhoea, try to avoid the below mentioned type of foods:

• High-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, dried fruits, and raw fruits and vegetables
• High-fat foods, such as fried and greasy foods, as they can promote diarrhea
• Gassy foods and carbonated beverages. Be sure to have your child sip on fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Once the diarrhoea has stopped, slowly reintroduce fibre-containing foods to your child’s diet.

Sore or Irritated Throat and Sores in Mouth : Some kinds of chemotherapy or radiation to the head and neck area can cause a sensitive mouth, mouth sores, or a sore throat. Provide the child with warm, soft, bland foods and lukewarm or cool foods can be soothing. Ice cream, milk, home made drinks or shakes too should be provided to the child frequently, which have high protein and calorie levels. Foods that can cause further drying like, tarts, salty or acidic drinks should be avoided, as well as spicy food.

Difficulty in Swallowing : Cancer occurring in the head, neck, and throat, or surgery or radiation therapy in these areas, can sometimes cause difficulty with swallowing. If your child has this problem, give him or her soft, liquid, easy-to-swallow foods. Again food and drinks that contain high proteins and calories should be served.

Nausea and Vomiting : Some kinds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause nausea and vomiting. If your child experiences these side effects, be sure to encourage him or her to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Have the child sip water, juices, sports drinks, fruit drinks, and other clear calorie-containing liquids throughout the day. Clear cool liquids are usually better tolerated than very hot or icy liquids.

References: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_6_2X_Possible_Side_Effects_7.asp?sitearea=MBC

http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/cancer/cancer_kinds.html

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