There are many cancer treatments that have demonstrated promising results; however, there still exists numerous side effects that result from varying therapies. These include: bone marrow suppression conditions, gastrointestinal problems, and other physical side effects. Possible solutions to these conditions that can result from treatment are provided below.
Bone Marrow Suppression
Blood cells, which are formed in the bone marrow, are very sensitive to therapies aimed at controlling cancer, specifically radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some cases, hematopoietic growth factors are administered to children to shorten the duration of bone marrow suppression. Some of the following conditions may occur as a result of bone marrow suppression:
1. Condition: Anemia is caused by low red blood cell count. Some symptoms might include: dizziness, weakness, diminished energy, headaches, and/or irritability.
Possible Solution: A red blood cell transfusion might be suggested for children suffering from anemia.
2. Condition: Thrombocytopenia, which is free bleeding and easy bruising, is caused by a shortage of platelets. Some symptoms might include: tiny red spots under the skin, gum bleeding, nose bleeds, and/or blood in urine or stool.
Possible Solution: To protect against frequent bleeding, contact activities should be limited. Additionally, a platelet transfusion might be suggested for children suffering from thrombocytopenia.
3. Condition: Neutrophenia, which increases the incidence of infections, are a result of a shortage of white blood cells, the body's infection-fighting agents. Some symptoms might include: fever, chills, rash, and/or diarrhea. Any sign of infection should be reported to the child's doctor immediately.
Possible Solution: A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight bacterial infections; however, if the infection is caused by a virus, chemotherapy may need to be temporarily halted while the body recovers from the viral infection.
Gastrointestinal Problems
The mucosal cells that line the gastrointestinal tract, which runs from the mouth through the rectum, are also very sensitive to cancer therapies such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Some of the following conditions may occur:
1. Condition: Oral mucositis is caused by damage to the mucosal lining of the mouth and is characterized by mouth sores.
Possible Solution: This condition is best treated by good, frequent mouth care. Teeth should be brushed after every meal and before bedtime.
2. Condition: Intestine mucositis is caused by damage to the mucosal lining of the intestines. Some symptoms might include diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Possible Solution: This condition is best treated by increasing fluid intake and in babies, frequent diaper changes and washing the skin with each diaper change.
3. Condition: Nausea and vomiting are frequent side effects of chemotherapy in particular.
Possible Solution: The best remedy for this is a course of prevention, which includes using anti-emetics before and after treatment.
4. Condition: Constipation can occur following chemotherapy.
Possible Solution: The problem is best solved by the use of laxatives and increasing the intake of fluids, fruits, and vegetables.
Other Physical Side Effects
Children also may face side effects of the radiation therapy and chemotherapy that can affect their self-esteem. Some of the following conditions may occur:
1. Condition: Hair loss is particularly devastating to school age children.
Possible Solution: It is important to make the child aware from the beginning that as a result of treatment he/she may lose his/her hair; however, it is equally important to stress to the child that his/her hair will grow back after the treatments have finished. Additionally, parents should make their child aware that wigs and hats are worn by many children during their course of treatment when they have lost their hair. There are many non-profit foundations that provide hairpieces or hats to children under 18, with little or no cost to the recipient:
Angel Locks, Inc
Locks of Love
Wigs for Kids
Hats off for Cancer
2. Condition: Weight Loss or Gain. Some treatments may cause a child to either gain or lose an excessive amount of weight.
Possible Solution: The key to helping children through this is informing them of the possibility before treatment begins and supporting them throughout the phases of treatment.
3. Condition: Fatigue, a common side effect of cancer therapies, may cause a child to be upset that he/she cannot continue with his/her normal activities.
Possible Solution: The best remedy for this is to plan adequate rest times, especially prior to physical activities.