What About Side Effects?

Cancer treatment can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Because of this, children may experience side effects during treatment.

Side effects can vary depending on the treatment and the individual child.

Your child may experience things such as:

• Tiredness or changes in energy

• Nausea or vomiting

• Changes in appetite or taste

• Hair loss

• Mouth sores

• Changes in bowel movements

• Pain or discomfort

• Changes in blood counts

• Increased risk of infection

• Changes in mood or emotions

Not every child experiences the same side effects.

And experiencing a side effect—or not experiencing one—doesn't necessarily tell you how well treatment is working.

Your child's oncology team can tell you which side effects to watch for and what to do if they occur.

When you're worried

You don't have to decide on your own whether something is “serious enough” to call.

Your care team should give you instructions about who to contact, when to call, and what symptoms require immediate attention.

Keep those instructions somewhere easy to find.

If something doesn't feel right, ask.

Treatment Isn't Just Medical

🏫 School

Your child may need to miss school, change their schedule, attend school online. Some children continue attending school throughout treatment when medically appropriate, ask your care team what options are available to you.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendships

Friends may not know what to say. Some may become closer. Others may pull away because they don't understand what is happening or how to be there for your child.

🧠 Emotions

Fear, anger, sadness, frustration, boredom, embarrassment, excitement, and hope can all be present—sometimes on the same day. It’s important you communicate your feelings with people you trust.

🏃 Activities

Sports, hobbies, family vacations, and other activities may need to be put on hold depending on your child's health and treatment plan.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

Siblings may feel worried, left out, jealous, protective, or confused. Parents and caregivers may also struggle with exhaustion, stress, work, finances, and the constant uncertainty of treatment.

Whenever possible, encourage them to follow their usual routines.

For Teens

Being diagnosed with cancer doesn't change the things you care about. This can be

• Your friends

• Going to school

• Dating

• Sports

• Music

• Social media

• Your appearance

• Your independence

• Planning your future

It’s okay to be frustrated when cancer suddenly becomes the thing everyone talks about.

It is okay to want to talk about something completely unrelated to cancer.

Your diagnosis does not define who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing.

If there is an event or something coming up that’s important to you, talk to your care team about safe ways to attend! It’s okay to want to do “normal” things.

For Parents & Caregivers

There may be days when you feel like you are managing an entire medical operation from your phone.

Appointments. Medications. Insurance. Work. Siblings. Meals. School. Transportation. Questions. More questions.

And somehow, you're expected to keep going.

You don't have to do everything perfectly.

Ask for help with the practical things.

Let someone bring dinner.

Let someone drive.

Let someone sit with your child while you shower or sleep.

Let your child's care team know when you are struggling, too.

Taking care of yourself isn't taking time away from your child.

You are part of the care team, too.