Child's intake of fluids during chemo for ALL

[thriceblessed]

I just don't feel that at around a weight of 50 pounds, 2 cups of fluids per day is enough during chemo for my 8 yo daughter (we are "lucky" when we can get her to take this much orally during the day).  The stress at trying to bribe her and be creative in this endeavor is exhausting and frustrating.

Do you have any suggestions to help?  Thanks~thriceblessed

[Mother of bailey]

My son also has ALL he has ben in treatment for about 18months...and at first it was realey hard for him to keep anything down...i would give him teaspoon s full of water at at time....is ur daughter on starerods...bailey is and that helps improve his aptite a hole lot...god bless...and good luck.....valerie

[DennisMD]

Hi.
I admire your patience in dealing with your daughter.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy need adequate fluid intake.  But this can be challenging since most patients experience vomiting after chemotherapy, with risks of dehydration and fluid and electrolyte imbalance.  Also, there may be alteration in taste during or after chemotherapy, making feeding more difficult.  
What you can do is try to encourage your daughter to take in as much food and fluids she can.  You can ask her what she wants to take and try to give it to her.  If she still doesn't want to feed (either solid or liquid food), you can bring her back to her doctor possibly for intravenous fluid administration to prevent dehydration.
Good luck.