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Osteosarcoma Discharge Instructions, Child


About this topic


Cancer happens when normal cells grow out of control. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. The cancer or abnormal cells grow in the osteoblast. An osteoblast is a cell that makes bones. When an osteosarcoma happens, the bone is not as strong as other bones. This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. In very bad cases, the arm or leg may be removed to stop the spread of cancer. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
  • If your child had surgery, follow the doctors instructions for wound care.
  • If your child is having chemo or radiation, the doctor may give drugs to help stop your child from feeling sick or other side effects.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your child may need more blood work, tests, or treatment.
  • If your child has a part to replace, like an arm or leg, your child may go to a physical therapist. The physical therapist will help your child get stronger and move about. The physical therapist will also teach your child how to use the prosthetics.
  • Your child may see a counselor to help understand and cope with the condition.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Boost the immune system
  • Help with side effects like upset belly and throwing up
  • Prevent infection

Will physical activity be limited?


Rest is important. Your childs activity level will depend on the procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. Ask your doctor when your child can go back to normal activities like school or daycare. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If you need help making sure your child is eating healthy, ask to see a dietitian. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Cancer could come back or spread to other areas
  • Removal of arm or leg where cancer is
  • Feeling weak
  • Not able to have children later in life
  • Infection

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Very bad bone pain
  • Swelling around the bone
  • Health problem is not better or your child is feeling worse

Helpful tips


You and your child may want to join support groups. This will help you get to know other people who have coped with the problem. ‚  

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my childs condition.
  • I can tell you what kind of treatment my child will be having.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my child has a fever, chills, or more pain.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003069-pdf.pdf ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/cancer_osteosarcoma.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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