Supporting a child during leukemia treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are several things to help make the recovery at home easier and more comfortable.

Story by: Norton Children’s on January 30, 2023

Supporting a child during leukemia treatment can feel overwhelming, but there are several things to help make the recovery at home easier and more comfortable.

Making a few changes to the home can help a child be more comfortable during or after treatment:

• Lower the child’s bed or use a step stool.
• Put items or clothes in lower, easy-to-reach places, such as baskets or drawers.
• Keep comfortable clothing and pajamas clean and easily accessible.
• Use nonslip mats in the shower or tub; a shower chair may be useful as well.
• Have extra blankets on hand, as the child may feel cold from treatments.
• Keep the pantry and refrigerator stocked with healthy, nutritious foods that your child enjoys eating.

Implementing healthy habits at home can help keep your child from getting sick while their immune system is compromised from leukemia treatment:

• Regularly wash hands.
• Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Ensure everyone in the home is up to date on vaccines, including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine.
• Practice good hygiene, including taking regular showers and brushing teeth.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day.
• Properly clean the child’s port or any other medical equipment.

Hair loss is common during cancer treatment. It is important to validate your child’s feelings during this difficult time while practicing hygiene and protective measures:

• Wash hair every two to four days with a fragrance-free product.
• Use hats, scarves or other headwear to protect the scalp and keep the head warm.
• Do not put hair in tight ponytails, braids, tight clips or ties as they can cause additional breakage and hair loss.

Sleep may be affected during leukemia treatment, but it’s still important to foster an environment that is as restful and relaxing as possible during this time.

• Keep a regular sleeping schedule with the same bedtime every night.
• Provide relaxing activities or favorite shows before bedtime.
• Turn off lights and electronics when it’s time to go to sleep.
• Use a white noise machine or app, if needed.

This article was approved by Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.