Home Care Guidelines Educational Materials

  • After a subcutaneous port is removed

    After your child's subcutaneous port is removed, you must follow certain guidelines to prevent infections. Learn more.

  • After eye removal surgery

    Your child requires special care following eye removal surgery. Learn what to expect after the procedure, and how you can help your child after the loss of an eye

  • After oral surgery

    Your child may require special care following oral surgery. Learn what to expect after the procedure, including what you do can do to prevent health problems.

  • Bladder training with a suprapubic catheter

    Teach your child to use the toilet again after having an SP catheter.

  • Caring for a pigtail drain

    If your child has a pigtail drain, learn how to take care of it at home and when to call the doctor.

  • Changing a suprapubic catheter

    Learn how to change your child’s suprapubic catheter if they have one.

  • Constipation

    Your child could become constipated for several reasons, such as not drinking enough fluids or taking certain medicines. Learn how to correct constipation.

  • Diarrhea

    Some medicines, such as chemotherapy, and radiation to certain areas can cause diarrhea. Learn how prevent it from happening or getting worse.

  • Fatigue

    Fatigue affects many childhood cancer patients. Learn more about possible causes of fatigue, signs of fatigue, and steps you can take to help to reduce fatigue.

  • Flushing a peripheral IV (PIV)

    An IV is a way of giving medicine or fluid into a vein. A peripheral IV (PIV) is a short plastic tube that goes in the hand, arm, foot, or scalp. Your child’s St. Jude team might use one to take blood samples and give some medicines. Learn when and how to flush the PIV.

  • Giving IV medicines at home

    Learn how to safely give your child IV medicines at home, beginning with reading the “Patient Medication” handout for the medicine.

  • How to check urine for glucose and ketones

    Read the step-by-step instructions on how to check your child's urine for glucose and ketones.

  • How to give intramuscular injections

    Medicines that you give into a muscle are called intramuscular injections. Review these steps before you give an intramuscular injection to your child.

  • How to give subcutaneous injections

    Medicines you give just below the skin are called subcutaneous injections. Review these steps before you give a subcutaneous injection to your child.

  • Light therapy for jaundice

    Learn how to treat your child’s jaundice at home using light therapy.

  • Making liquid medicine for an injection

    Learn how to turn powdered medicine into liquid and give your child a shot.

  • More ways to fight fatigue

    Scientists know that people with cancer feel less tired when they sleep better, save energy, and exercise. Learn how to help your child do these things.

  • Nausea and vomiting

    Some medicines can cause nausea and vomiting. Learn how to manage these side effects.

  • Obtaining medical supplies

    Medical supplies for your child are available through St. Jude. Learn how to order them.

  • Subcutaneous Tissue Infusion Set

    At some point in the treatment, staff may decide to use a subcutaneous tissue infusion set to administer any of the medications for your child. This equipment has a small needle that a staff member will insert just below the surface of the skin. Frequently, this equipment can remain in position for up to 7 days. Read this fact sheet to learn how to use and care for this equipment.

  • Suprapubic catheter

    Learn to care for your child’s suprapubic (SP) catheter at home.

  • Travel after sedation or anesthesia

    Learn more about the risks of traveling after sedation or anesthesia. If problems occur, you may not be able to get your child help right away.

  • Weight loss and other related side effects

    Avoiding weight loss is an important goal during treatment for a life-threatening disease. Improve your child’s appetite with the following ideas.

  • Withdrawing medicine from a vial

    You may need to give medicine to your child while you are away from the hospital. Read these steps to withdraw medicine from a vial correctly.

SASH method

SASH can help you remember the proper steps for flushing with saline and heparin.

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