FAQ

FAQ List

• 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 on 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. It'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 be alert to any side effect.
   

• 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

  It's common for kids going through chemotherapy to have less appetitie and to feel sick to their stomach because of the strong medicines they're taking. Even though you might want to give them extra nutrients through supplements, it's important to know that some of these can react with their cancer treatments. So, you should always talk to your child's cancer doctor before giving any supplement.
   

• Q

  I'm supposed to take Purinethol in 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 once a week at the same time, whether in the morning or evening, to keep the drug levels steady in your blood. If you're taking it in the evening, you can take it with Purinethol on the same day, as long as it fits your schedule.
   

• Q

  Can I take MTX (Methotrexate) with milk?

  Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

  You should take MTX (Methotrexate) once 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.
   

• 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 once a week. If you forget to take it on 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.
   

• Q

  I forgot to take my Septrin dose. What should I do?

  Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

  Septrin is an antibiotic used to prevent pneumonia. It's usually taken three times a week on different days (like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). If you forget to take it, just take it the next day, and then adjust the rest of the week's schedule (for example, take it on 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.
   

• 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. Therefore, it’s very important to talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away to get the right treatment.

• Q

  Osteoporosis. My bones are weak. What should I eat?

  Multiple Myeloma

  Bone weakening in multiple myeloma is often part of the disease. Don'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. However, don’t overeat done broth soup, as it can lead to too much phosphorus.
   

• 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 don't need to restrict fluids. However, if you're not passing much urine and can't eliminate water well, especially with severe edema, you might need to limit your fluid intake.
   

• 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.