My son is on week 3 of ALL type B treatment at BCH. Any advice? So far, steroid hunger, swollen belly, and I am worried he is getting a sore bum
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Hello @Zsahota, welcome to the Forum, though I’m so, so sorry about the circumstances that bring you here. As a mum of a 3 year old myself, I can only imagine the absolute rollercoaster of emotions you must be going through.
I can see you’ve been posting on a few other threads too, and I hope you’re finding some comfort in seeing others who understand, and I hope you get some supportive replies from the community.
In the meantime, I’m going to link in our lovely @BloodCancerUK_Nurses about the medical questions you’ve raised as I’ve no medical background and they’re brilliant at explaining things clearly when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
I did want to share a couple of resources that might be helpful for you right now:
And please do know that our Support Line is there for you. The nurses understand how frightening and isolating this can feel, and are brilliant at supporting people through. You can call them on 0808 2080 888 or email support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Keep posting whenever you need to, and do keep us updated if you feel able.
Thinking of you and your little one,
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
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Dear @Zsahota,
I am so sorry to read of your son’s diagnosis of ALL. I am glad you have found our forum, I am sure you will find this a great source of support.
As Ceri has mentioned you would be very welcome to call us on 0808 2080 888 and we can talk things through, we are very much here to support you.
With regards to your son’s symptoms, if you are concerned at any stage or anything changes in his health it is always important to notify the team so they can make an assessment.
It is not unusual for steroids to cause hunger, you will find this settles when he is not taking steroids, however if this is becoming problematic do talk to the team.
With regards to the other symptoms you mentioned, it is important to talk to the team about these as they may wish to assess him and can perhaps offer something that may relieve these symptoms. Just as an example it would not be unusual to have constipation or diarrhoea with treatment and the team must know about this so it is appropriately managed.
Is your son currently in hospital or is he home at the moment?
Take good care,
Heidi J (Support Services Nurse)
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