The webpage Oncology Nurse Advisor, published last March 14, 2018, an article about Managing Chemo Brain in Pediatric Survivors of Childhood Cancer that we believe it’s common for kids undergoing chemo.

But…

What is Chemo brain?

Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur after cancer treatment. Chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction. ¹

What are the symptoms of chemo brain?

Chemo brain is characterized by forgetting things, trouble concentrating, short attention spam, taking longer to finish things. ²

Most of the times the effects only last a short time. Children under three are considered most at risk to have long-term effects due to rapid ongoing myelination processes that can in some cases go on until seven years of age.

What can you do?

• Try memory games.
• Keep the mind active.
• Slowly implement learning.
• Meet schoolteachers, counselors, and schools staff prior reintroducing the child. back to school.
• Think of a one on one aid or assistant if needed.
• Psychology testing.

Examples of strategies that are often helpful for children and teens with educational problems related to cancer treatment include:

• Seating near the front of the classroom
• Use of tape-recorded textbooks and lectures
• Extra help with math, spelling, reading and organizational skills

But overall be patient and compassionate to your child.

To read more about it click here

If you would like to provide relevant information or recommendations for this page contact us. 

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-203510602.
2. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/changes-in-mood-or-thinking/chemo-brain.html
3. https://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/side-effect-management/chemo-brain-in-pediatric-cancer-survivors/article/751108/2/
4. https://curesearch.org/Learning-Problems-During-or-After-Treatment 

Part of an integrative oncological treatment is to take care of all aspect of our children; music is a powerful expression tool that reduces anxiety, depression, and pain, it can also help the children to cope better with hospitalizations.
In Music therapy, the intention is to promote health by using music experiences including instrument play, movement, singing, etc.

In this video Ryan Judd from The Rhythm Tree shares with us, an interview with Catherine,
mother of Zoe who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and after the surgery music therapy helped her a lot to work out with her emotions.

For Ryan, Music therapy is honoring the child spirit and improving the quality of life.

Consider complementary methods in this road since it can bring a lot of benefits in the quality of life of a child.

Is your child suffering from Nausea?

We know that in order to prevent or decrease Nausea, a doctor may prescribe anti-nausea meds (such as Zofran, Ondansetron, Emend etc.)
which you should give a couple of days BEFORE a chemotherapy treatment cycle.

However, nausea can come and go also long after chemo has ended and if you do not want your child to take such meds frequently,
here are a few natural remedies which we gathered from our parents’ community, to ease nausea:

1. Popsicles (water-based and NOT dairy).
2. Watermelon.
3. Almonds.
4. Lemon, lime (a glass of water with a lot of lemon in it).
5. Medical Cannabis drops (available in some countries and states).
6. Ginger, peppermint, plain yogurt, rice.
7. There is also naturopathic (plant-based) medicine, which any naturopath can make and which contains the following:

Tincture.Zingiber off. 30% Alpinia off. 20% Elettaria. 20% Mentha piperita. 15% Matricaria rec. 15%

Use: 60 drops 4 times a day. Drink with water or juice.

Remember, what helps one child may not help another, therefore you should try different solutions to solve the problem.

If you know of any other remedy, please send it to us and we will add it to this list.