The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Is it safe for our child to go to the beach, pool, spa, sauna, river,
creek, or dam?
Beach – Yes. But not if your child is neutropenic or has a Hickman ® in place
Spa / Sauna – No
River, creek, or dam – No
Pools – Yes, if the pool is well maintained and your child is not neutropenic,
No, if your child is neutropenic or has a Hickman ® in place.
Can our child still go to school even though he / she is receiving
treatment?
Yes. It is very important for your child and your family to maintain as normal a
routine as possible. Please see Section 3, Living with cancer, How schools can
support young people receiving treatment for cancer.
Is it safe for our child to continue with sport and leisure activities?
Yes. If your child’s platelet count is low, avoid contact-sports and activities
where there is increased risk of injury.
Diet
Do I need to alter our child’s diet?
As a general rule, no. Milk must be pasteurised (not straight from the cow).
Under cooked meats should be avoided. If you have any questions regarding
your child’s food, the dietitian is the best person to talk to.
Can our child take multivitamins and other herbal medicines?
Multivitamins are not usually necessary. The dietitian will discuss your
child’s nutritional needs with you. Some herbal medicines can be potentially
dangerous. You should talk to your child’s consultant before giving your child
any of these.
Can our child drink tank water?
Tank water should be boiled before drinking.
What is a high-energy drink for when our child is not wanting
to eat much?
Sustagen Milkshake
250 mls of full cream milk
2 tablespoons of Sustagen ® powder
2 scoops of ice-cream
Flavouring e.g. chocolate topping
Fortified Milk
600mls full cream milk
2 tablespoons dried milk powder
(3 tablespoons Polyjoule ® optional) as
topping
Tell Me… Sec.6:19
Updated March 2011