Kids affected by cancer are few, but child cancer is not unheard of. Statistics place the number of kids with cancer in the US to as low as one percent. But that one percent can represent more than 10,000 young children under the age of 15. To each of them the pain and suffering is very real.
Chemotherapy is the usual method of treating cancer in young children. It leaves a lot of side effects on children for them to cope with. From rapid hair loss to no appetite to nausea and sickness, chemotherapy exhausts the children emotionally and physically. As a doctor, parent or volunteer, you can improve their quality of life by helping them deal with the treatment better.
Start with the belief that cancer treatments for kids are successful. Children are usually sedated or given heavy painkillers to forget the pain during chemotherapy. But, a study at a children’s hospital in Atlanta has found virtual reality games to be an effective aid in distracting children while the treatment is in progress. While the children are engrossed in the games, doctors finish the procedures peacefully. Loss of appetite and mouth sores are very common in children undergoing chemo. Children become completely uninterested in food. But, their appetite may be kindled with food items like ice cream, jell-o, yogurt, and milk shakes. Healthy alternatives like popcorn, apples, raw carrots, and cheesy tortillas may also perk their interests. Nausea and vomiting are other side effects. Avoid heavy and spicy foods. Make the child rinse his mouth after every meal to avoid nausea.
When a child undergoes chemo for cancer, it is important to raise his spirit and induce in him the courage to fight. Find the interests of the child and his dreams. Make them come true, especially in case of terminal children, and you will see the smile in these children.