Chemotherapy (continued)

Seeing such a long list of potential side effects can be frightening. But remember that chemo is designed to not only help kids with cancer stay healthy in the long run, but to save their lives.

Caring for Your Child

Your child might have many questions about cancer and its treatment. Be honest when talking about it — discuss the disease in age-appropriate terms and encourage your child to share his or her feelings. And remember that you're not alone: Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, child-life therapists, and other members of the cancer treatment team are there to reassure you and your child before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Kids who are scared about starting chemo might benefit from a tour of the hospital or clinic beforehand or joining a support group for families coping with childhood cancer. Besides making treatment seem less frightening, meeting other cancer patients and survivors might help your family develop a network of friends and supporters dealing with the same issues.

Once chemo is done, it's still important for the doctor to monitor your child's health and progress in follow-up appointments. During these checkups, the doctor will ask if there are continuing side effects or any signs of the cancer recurring.

It can be difficult to cope with a cancer diagnosis, let alone to take in facts about chemotherapy. Remember that despite the side effects of this cancer treatment, most kids are cured of their cancer and can enjoy happy, productive lives.

Reviewed by: Donna Patton, MD
Date reviewed: February 2007