Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is the field of medicine that evaluates and treats children with blood disorders (such as anemias and bleeding disorders) as well as children with cancer. Patients with mild or severe problems related to their blood, as well as patients with cancer, are usually seen first in our outpatient clinic, within the Floating Hospital for Children, for diagnosis and inital treatment planning.
Our strength is in providing comprehensive hematology and oncology services by integrating specialists in all aspects of cancer and hematology care. As seasoned medical and nursing staff, researchers and bone marrow transplant experts, we form a close-knit unit of fighters of cancer and a multitude of blood disorders.
Our state-of-the-art Neely Bone Marrow Transplant Unit is designed to allow patients freedom to interact outside of their rooms and provides parents/guardians private guest rooms on the same floor where the patient is being cared for. The close proximity of patient to parent/guardian invites a feeling of home, comfort and connection.
We are known for our expertise in neuro-oncology including the treatment of neuroblastoma and germ cell tumors. Equally expert in pediatric hematologic diseases, we pride ourselves on the treatment of hemophilia, vonWillebrands disease, anemias, coagulation defects, white cell disorders, hemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure, thalassemia's and sickle cell disease to name just a few.
As members of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the National Cancer Institute we benefit from the sharing of protocols and clinical trials world-wide. The division conducts ongoing research and is a major test center for new anti-cancer agents released by the NCI.
You will step into an atmosphere of "belonging" when you are introduced to our Child Life Specialists trained in child development and the effects of illness on child development.
Our Social Worker and Parent Consultant are available to help you navigate challenging issues surrounding insurance, housing needs, travel, child care, parking and transportation issues.
An on-site medical technologists processes blood counts quickly and efficiently and our on-site pharmacist prepares chemotherapy agents along side our medical staff.
Our administrative team are dedicated to providing you prompt access to your physicians, nurses and the other members of our team, while providing a variety of educational services as well.
We have established a reputation for leading-edge programs to decrease the discomforts associated with cancer treatment. Our philosophy of zero tolerance for pain is the basis of our personal approach to patient care.
We believe in treating not just the patient, but the family of the patient as well.
VIBS (Very Important Brothers and Sisters), provides support to siblings living with a brother or sister in treatment.
Our Parent Support Group embraces the needs of parents and extended family as they travel through every phase of treatment.
Teens either in or off cancer treatment, form the Shooting Stars group who meet on a regular basis to discuss specific needs of teens living with and surviving cancer.
Our School Reentry Program was designed to assist and ease children in returning to school. By visiting the classroom prior to a patients resuming their studies, Child Life Specialists and a Social Worker share with teachers and classmates information that will ease the patients path back to school. They educate classmates and teachers on what to expect with their friend's return; how they might look and what they might need from their classmates and teachers.
We are compassionate caregivers yet fierce opponents of disease. We lead in advanced treatment, however, we follow our patients' and families lead to feel understood. We are tenacious when it comes to fighting cancer, yet tender when it comes to meeting children's needs.
Most simply stated, at the Floating Cancer Center, we fight your child's greatest battle as if they were our own.
For your convenience, our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology physicians are available at satellites clinics in both Chelmsford and Fall River, MA. For further information about our clinic, hospital, satellite services and programs, please call us at: 617-636-5535