1. Be Proactive in Anticipating Challenges
When neuroblastoma is at an early stage, the most effective coping strategy is to encourage your child to live as normal a life as possible. However, kids with advanced cases of this cancer frequently develop spinal cord problems as the tumors spread into their bones. Spinal cord compression can cause not only pain but also mobility difficulties and even paralysis. Aggressive treatment can help to retard the spread of the tumors, and you can use a combination of pain medication and physical therapy to minimize the cancer's effects on your child's quality of life.
2. The Importance of Diet and Exercise
As cancer treatment technologies improve and more kids survive neuroblastoma and live into adulthood, doctors are becoming increasingly sensitive to the long-term effects of pediatric cancer treatments. For example, many adult survivors of childhood cancers suffer from thyroid and liver problems caused by the drugs used to treat the tumors. Stunted growth and anemia are also problematic, because the rigorous and taxing treatment regimens can limit normal childhood activity.
It's important, therefore, to make an extra effort to ensure your child is receiving an ample supply of nutrients and enough exercise to promote proper muscle development. You can ask your doctor to recommend a dietitian and encourage your child to stay as active as possible. There's no reason to limit your child's participation in sports or other activities, so long as she feels up to it.
3. Draw on Specialized Resources for Children
Social workers and members of your community's health network operate special programs designed to help children manage and cope with cancer. If you have other children, it's also important for you to include them in the support and management process as much as possible.
Some examples of social resources you can draw on include special summer camps and housing assistance for families struggling to stay afloat despite costly treatments. To learn more about programs available in your area, talk to your child's doctor.
