Osteosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor. Treatment usually includes chemotherapy (chemo) to shrink the tumor, then surgery to remove it, followed by more chemo to kill any remaining cancer cells. Use this information to help your child through treatments.

• Talk with your child about osteosarcoma and what treatments they will need. Answer their questions as best you can. If you don't know an answer or need help with how to respond to your child, the cancer care team can help. Reassure your child that you and the care team will be there to support them through treatment.
• Give your child any medicines prescribed by the care team.
• If your child has started chemo, follow the care team's instructions. This may include things that your child needs to do to avoid getting sick. 
• Let your child rest as much as needed.
• Follow up as instructed by the care team.

If your child has started chemotherapy, the care team will give you instructions on when to call them. This would include if your child has a fever, won't eat or drink, is vomiting a lot, is getting dehydrated, looks pale, or bleeds or bruises easily.

Call your health care provider if your child has pain that is not relieved by the prescribed medicines.

You know your child best. Call your health care provider if your child develops any symptoms that concern you.

Your cancer care team will talk to you about when your child needs to go to the ER. This will depend on what stage of treatment your child is in. Call someone on the care team if your child has any symptoms that concern you and you aren't sure whether to go to the ER.

What causes osteosarcoma? Osteosarcoma happens when bone cells (called osteoblasts) start to grow abnormally. Doctors don't know why this happens, but different types of gene changes (mutations) may play a role. Most kids who get osteosarcoma don't have any risk factors for it. But it is more likely in kids who have had radiation therapy or chemotherapy or who have some types of genetic conditions. 

How does chemotherapy work? Chemo works by killing cells that are dividing. Most cancer cells divide quickly, so they are more likely to be killed by chemotherapy. Some normal cells that divide quickly also can be destroyed. Chemotherapy is usually given into a vein (IV).

What if I have questions or concerns? Parents are key partners in their child's care. If you're not sure about something, call your cancer care team. There can be a lot to remember. Care teams are used to answering questions and going over information again.

To find support, talk to someone on the care team, a hospital social worker, a counselor, or a Child Life specialist. Many resources are available to help your child and the whole family. You also can find more information and support online at:

• American Cancer Society: cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma
• National Cancer Institute: cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support/parents