Good nutrition is an important part of your child’s treatment. Try to keep your child’s diet as normal as possible. Your child’s body needs to heal and gain strength in order to resume normal activities and sustain any treatment.
- After surgery, temporary nausea and vomiting may occur simply due to the procedure itself. Steroids can cause a dramatic increase in appetite. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy can lead to irregular eating patterns, nausea, or changes in the way food tastes. Cancer can place extra nutritional demands on the body and change how nutrients are used.
- Call your doctor or nurse if any of these problems persist. They may prescribe anti-nausea medications or arrange an appointment with a dietitian. Nutritional supplements occasionally are recommended, but the best approach is usually a well-balanced diet planned with an experienced dietitian to fit your child’s needs and tastes.
- Day-to-day changes in your child’s appetite will occur. Appetite will probably improve over time, and a good day is an opportunity for you to increase the nutritional value of the food you’re preparing.
- Food is closely tied to emotions. Try to avoid confrontations over meals.
- Alternative treatments may include special strict diets, but eating favorite foods may be the only way to provide nutrition and pleasure during this time. Children may especially need the calories and protein that are “forbidden” by alternative treatments. Be sure to check with your child’s doctor or nurse before giving vitamins, herbs or alternative supplements. Certain compounds can interfere with cancer treatment.
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