Growth Monitoring Chart for Proton Beam Therapy

If you have a physical copy of this page, please fill in the details below.

Patient name:

DOB:

SAV Date: 

Weight:

Why are you monitoring your growth during your PBT?

​​​​​​	It is very important you maintain your growth between your planning appointment and starting your PBT treatment. We can monitor your growth by looking at your weight.
	This is because your PBT treatment is planned around your body shape and size. If your weight changes this may cause your body shape or size to change (in the area being treated), which means your treatment plan may not be suitable anymore.
	We want to avoid having to re-plan your Proton Beam Therapy and want you to complete your treatment as smoothly as possible.
	It is really important to remember we are not monitoring weight because of the way you look. Your weight is just a number that reflects your growth and helps the team plan your treatment.
	We would like you to check your weight twice a week. If you notice your weight is changing (either going up or down) there are some tips in this page to prevent any further changes. However, if you are concerned or still struggling you can contact the Dietitian.

If you have a physical copy of this page, you can fill in the table below.

• Add high calorie ingredients to meals you are already having such as butter, cream, cheese, oil, jam, honey, sugar
• For example, adding extra butter to you jacket potato or into rice, noodles and chapatis
• Add a drizzle of olive oil onto pasta dishes and curries, cooked vegetables, rice and noodle dishes
• Add cheese onto soups, baked potatoes and pasta
• Add extra mayonnaise or salad cream to sandwiches
• Add jam, honey, nut butters, Nutella on toast, into porridge
• Switch to full fat dairy products – use whole milk in cereals, and cooking. Use full fat yogurts cheeses and spreads.
• Aim to have a pudding after a main meal such as jelly and custard, cake, mini trifle or sundae, ice cream etc
• If you are struggling with big meals have smaller meals more often
• Try to have some high calorie snacks such as nuts, crisps, crackers and cheese etc 2–3 times a day
• You may want to try making high calorie milkshakes at home using ice cream, whole milk and any flavouring of your choice. Oreos taste really great in this recipe but you can use any chocolate of fruit mix that you like.

Plan meals and snacks that are filling but not high in calories

• Eat 3 meals a day – include more protein and fibre (these foods help you feel full)
• Swap your snacks to low energy options such as fruit, vegetable sticks with dip (e.g., cucumber/carrots + hummus/savoury low fat yoghurt dip/Philadelphia light), low fat yogurts (e.g. berries /fruit salad & low fat yoghurt)
• Ensure all meals are balanced with all food groups – this includes protein, starchy foods, vegetables and fruit and dairy (dairy alternatives)
• Ensure portion sizes are the correct size for your age
• Swap dairy products for low fat varieties (Mini Babybel Light, Philadelphia light, skimmed milk)
• Consider how food is being cooked – e.g. baked food is healthier than fried food.
• If able to – aim to do some physical activity daily such as walking or playing in the park.
• Ensue to drink plenty of water and meet you hydration needs

You may find some of the websites below useful for further information.

Fluids:

• Fluid (water and drinks) and hydration – BDA The Association of UK Dietitians

Portion Sizes:

• Nutrition for toddlers – British Nutrition Foundation
• The Caroline Walker Trust has resources for all ages 1–18 under their publication section.

General information around Nutrition during Cancer treatment:

• Nutrition – The Children & Young People's Cancer Association

Please contact the Dietitian’s office on the number below. Alternatively, contact your Keyworker for PBT who will then ask the Dietitian to contact you.

Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Email: uclh.paediatricdietitians@nhs.net
Website: www.uclh.nhs.uk