"Some people go like “He’s fat” but it’s not his fault it’s down to the steroids"

How Is Cancer Treated

There are 3 main types of treatment for cancer. Some people need just one or two of these, whereas others may need all 3. The sort of treatment used depends on the type of cancer.

Treatment for Leukaemia

The main type of treatment for Leukaemia is nearly always chemotherapy. In the earlier part of treatment your brother or sister may be given chemotherapy by injection into a muscle or vein or slowly into the bloodstream through a drip. This usually needs to be done at a hospital. Some people with leukaemia later need to have chemotherapy tablets at home - they may need to take these for several years.

For certain types of leukaemia, or if leukaemia comes back a second time, a bone marrow transplant may be needed.

Radiotherapy is often given as preparation for a bone marrow transplant or for people who have got leukaemia cells in the fluid in their head and spine.

Treatment for Tumours

Sometimes it is possible to safely remove all or part of a tumour with surgery (an operation). This is sometimes the only treatment needed. However often an operation is just part of the treatment and other treatment is needed before and after.

Some cancer cells can be destroyed using a treatment called radiotherapy. This treatment is most effective if the cancer is in just one part of the body.

If the tumour is in several parts of the body or if it cannot be completely removed by an operation or radiotherapy then your brother or sister may need chemotherapy as well. This chemotherapy is usually given by injection or drip into the bloodstream.

“When I found out that Michael had cancer I was just sitting in my bedroom and I was thinking-I can't just think that he's gonna die because that's just not right thinking that, so I was thinking what's good gonna happen to him, like he's just gonna have medication and he's gonna get better”

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the name given to any chemical that can kill cancer cells. Sometimes people have chemotherapy by mouth as a tablet or medicine. Other chemotherapy has to be given into a muscle by injection or into the bloodstream through a drip. Some children have special tubes called central lines put in to help them to have their chemotherapy. Other children have hidden tubes called vascuports or portacaths.

Chemotherapy does not just kill cancer cells, but as a side-effect can also kill some healthy cells. This means that people receiving chemotherapy often have a lot of side effects.

"Some people go like “He’s fat” but it’s not his fault it’s down to the steroids"

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is invisible treatment with rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiotherapy is given by a large machine. If your brother or sister has radiotherapy they will feel nothing while it is happening, but will need to be careful not to move so that the radiotherapy goes to the right part of the body. A mask might be used to help them keep still if the radiotherapy is needed in the head area.

Unfortunately radiotherapy also kills some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. This causes side effects. The side effects will be different depending on what part of the body gets the radiotherapy.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Sore skin in the area of the radiotherapy
Sickness and Diarrhoea
Baldness; This is usually temporary
Tiredness
Sore mouth
Not enough blood cells. Having blood or platelet transfusions from blood donors can help
Getting thinner or fatter
Infection. This often needs treatment in hospital again

"Leon had to have radiotherapy and everything, but he's really well now but he still has to go on Tuesdays and he still has to have loads of medication even though he's really good in himself"

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