The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Body changes
Excessive weight gain
Your child may have to take a steroid drug (e.g. Prednisolone, Dexamethasone)
as part of treatment. There may be side effects to steroids but these usually
disappear several months after the steroids are stopped. These side effects
can be an increased appetite, excessive weight gain (particularly in the face
and abdomen), and fluid retention.
Hints for managing weight gain
• The weight gain caused by steroids is temporary. Your child’s weight
will return to normal after the steroids stop.
• Encourage a healthy diet, avoiding high calorie foods.
• Make sure your child has healthy snacks.
Excessive weight loss
Your child may lose weight during treatment, even while eating a well balanced
diet. The dietitian will monitor your child’s weight and nutritional status closely,
and provide nutritional support when necessary. Because weight loss needs
to be avoided, many children have a nasogastric tube for a while during
treatment. Nutritional supplements are given through the nasogastric tube.
If your child needs a nasogastric tube, you will be taught how to manage
the tube and feeds at home. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS has more
information about nasogastric tube feeding.
Hints for managing weight loss
• Offer small meals frequently throughout the day
• Offer drinks with extra calories
• Offer foods with high calories.
• Roughly estimate and record how much fluid your child is consuming,
and how much he / she vomits. Monitor for the signs and symptoms of
dehydration, which include a reduction in the amount of urine passed,
a dry mouth or persistent vomiting.
Section 3, LIVING WITH CANCER, Eating Well has more hints.
Cancer Sec.4:15
Updated March 2011