Chemotherapy is a medicine for treating cancer. People usually call it “chemo”. Ask your parents about anything that you do not understand and they will be able to ask your doctor or specialist. The following questions are often asked by children who have cancer or whose parents, friends, or relatives have cancer.

Questions

• Why do people get cancer?
  Nobody knows the answer. Our bodies are not perfect and we can get a disease or a medical condition because our parents or grandparents might have had it. Some people get cancer because they smoked cigarettes or lived where the air was not clean.

• Why is chemo used to treat cancer?
  Cancers can be treated with chemo but sometimes other treatment such as radiation, surgery or stem cell transplant may be necessary. Your doctor will tell you what is best.
• What happens during chemo?
  The doctor can give a pill or a liquid to swallow; sometimes the medicine is injected into a vein.
• What does chemo do to the body?
  The medicine stops cancer cells from growing, but it also affects good cells, so some people lose their hair, feel sick, or sore and tired.
• How long does chemo take to be completed?
  Patients can go home after each treatment at the hospital and after a few months the cancer might be completely gone. Ask the doctor for more information.

Getting Ready for Hospital

If you have cancer and will receive chemo at the hospital, here are some tips for you:

• Ask the hospital what you can bring with you. Sometimes you may only need to stay for a few hours and other times you may stay for a day or more. Items you can usually bring include:
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Reading and writing material
  • Pen or pencil
  • Music or portable video player such as an iPod or PSP
  • Portable DVD player with headphones
  • Clothes, including night clothes
  • Toys
• You may or may not be allowed to bring a:
  • Mobile phone
  • Games console
  • Laptop computer
  • TV set

Staying in the Hospital

Hospitals are busy places. Doctors, nurses and orderlies are always coming and going, helping patients like you. After you check in, you will be seen by a nurse and given a wrist band with your name on it. Someone will explain where to find things and who will be seeing you.

Your mum and dad may be allowed to stay with you. Your friends and relatives can visit. You will be able to make new friends with other children who are also receiving chemotherapy. There is a TV room and sometimes an Internet lounge.

Speaking to Doctors and Nurses

The doctor or nurse will ask you how you are feeling and if you feel sore. You should try to remember every unusual thing that you felt before they saw you last time, as this will tell them if the chemo medicine is working properly, or if they need to change something.

Don’t be scared to ask any question about your treatment or your stay in the hospital. Sometimes you have difficult questions, but you should ask them to ease your mind. Common questions include:

• Will I get better?
• Does it hurt?
• Will I lose my hair?
• When will I get better?

Hospital Food

Hospital food isn’t always like the food you eat at home, but it is nice and the menu changes daily. You can choose from the menu for the next day, so the meal on your first day might not be what you would have preferred. Sometimes you are not allowed to eat a meal before an operation or if the doctor thinks you should not have it for a few days.