Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
FAQ List
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Q
My child is 15. Should they get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Whether your child should get the COVID-19 vaccine depends their health. Kids and teenagers who have certain health problems like diabetes, a weak immune system, kidney or lung disease, heart conditions, or neurological issues are at higher risk for getting really sick if they catch COVID-19. They could even be at a higher risk of dying from it. Doctors really recommend that kids and teenagers over 12 with these kinds of health issues get vaccinated. It39;s important to talk it over and make a well-informed choice. After getting the vaccine, your child should rest for a day or two and watch for any side effects.
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Q
My child doesn't want to eat much during chemotherapy. Is it okay to give them supplements like probiotics, vitamins, or ginseng?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
It39;s common for kids going through chemotherapy to not feel like eating and to feel sick to their stomach because of the strong medicines they39;re taking. Even though you might want to give them extra nutrients through supplements, it39;s important to know that some of these can react with their cancer treatments. So, you should always talk to your child39;s cancer doctor before starting any supplements.
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Q
I'm supposed to take Purinethol 2 hours after dinner. Should I also take MTX (Methotrexate) in the evening?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
The key with MTX (Methotrexate) is to take it consistently ce a week at the same time, whether in the morning or evening, to keep the drug levels steady in your blood. If you39;re taking it in the evening, you can take it with Purinethol the same day, as long as it fits your schedule.
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Q
Can I take MTX (Methotrexate) with milk?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
You should take MTX (Methotrexate) ce a week, at a specific time, with a lot of water to make sure it works well. Taking it with other drinks might affect how well the drug works and cause unexpected side effects.
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Q
I forgot to take my MTX (Methotrexate, an oral chemotherapy drug) today, which I need for acute lymphoblastic leukemia maintenance. What should I do?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
For maintaining acute lymphoblastic leukemia, MTX (Methotrexate) is taken ce a week. If you forget to take it your scheduled day, take it as soon as you remember. Because the maintenance phase lasts about 2 years, setting reminders for your medication times is a good idea.
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Q
I forgot to take my Septrin dose. What should I do?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Septrin is an antibiotic used to prevent pneumonia. It39;s usually taken three times a week different days (like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). If you forget to take it e of these days, just take it the next day, and then adjust the rest of the week39;s schedule (for example, take it Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Then, go back to your regular schedule the next week. Setting a reminder for your medication times can help you remember.
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Q
After chemotherapy, if I get a fever at home, what should I do?
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
A fever after chemotherapy might be a sign of neutropenia, a condition that could lead to serious infections. It39;s very important to talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you know your neutrophil count is low, so you can get the right treatment.
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Q
Osteoporosis. My bones are weak. What should I eat?
Multiple Myeloma
Bone weakening in multiple myeloma is often part of the disease. Don39;t supplement with calcium without talking to your doctor first, as hypercalcemia can occur. A balanced diet with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K is best for bone health. Don39;t overdo it with bone broth, as it can lead to too much phosphorus.
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Q
Edema. I have kidney issues and edema. Should I drink lots of water?
Multiple Myeloma
Not necessarily. If you have chronic kidney disease but can still eliminate water properly, you don39;t need to restrict fluids. However, if you39;re not passing much urine and can39;t eliminate water well, especially with severe edema, you might need to limit your fluid intake.
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Q
Hyperkalemia. What if my blood test shows high potassium?
Multiple Myeloma
Some multiple myeloma patients need to watch their potassium due to kidney issues. Avoid high-potassium foods like whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, bananas, and tomatoes. Also, avoid high-potassium remedies like pumpkin or adzuki bean water, and be cautious with low-sodium salts that contain potassium.