Blood Draw Milestone Patch

A Blood Draw is a procedure where a needle is used to take blood from a vein for testing. A blood draw may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood to treat certain blood disorders. A blood draw can take place in the methodologies of a finger stick, IV, central line, or port access.

Chemotherapy Milestone Patch

Chemotherapy or Chemo (kee-moe-ther-ah-pee, keem-oh) is the use of specific medicines to treat cancer. Chemotherapy medicines can be given by mouth, in the vein, or in the spinal fluid to stop the growth of cancer cells. The specific type of medicine and how it is given to the patient varies on the case. Chemotherapy is planned based on the type and stage of cancer, the goals of treatment, and other therapies that may be used. Sometimes people need to stay in the hospital to get chemo. But often, a person can just come to the hospital or doctor's office for treatment and go home afterward.

Bone Marrow Test Milestone Patch

A Bone Marrow Test is done to examine the fluid and tissue in bone marrow. The tests help determine whether cancer or another disease is affecting blood cells or marrow, as well as the extent of the disease. Some changes to blood cells can be detected in marrow samples before they can be seen in blood samples. 

Bone marrow testing usually involves two steps: a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow aspiration is used to remove a liquid marrow sample. A bone marrow biopsy is used to remove a small amount of bone filled with marrow. Both tests are usually performed at the same time in a doctor's office or a hospital. 

IV Placement Milestone Patch

An Intravenous line (IV) is a soft, flexible tube placed inside a vein, usually in the hand or arm. They allow fluids, medications and other therapies such as blood products to be introduced directly into the cardiovascular system, bypassing other barriers to absorption and reaching most target organs very quickly. Once inserted, a well-functioning line can remain in use for several days if required.

Neutropenia Milestone Patch

Neutropenia is an indication of low levels of neutrophils in the blood. A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell that is produced in the bone marrow. White blood cells in general are important for fighting infection in the body.  Neutropenia can happen when the neutrophils are used up or destroyed faster than they are produced, or the bone marrow is not making enough neutrophils.  

Neutropenia can be caused by infection, medications like chemotherapy and cancer, among other things.  Fever and repeated infection are symptoms of neutropenia. 

Blood Transfusion Milestone Patch

Kids with cancer sometimes need Blood Transfusions when their bodies cannot make enough blood cells.  Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.  

All of those components can be transfused, except for white blood cells, which are very important to help the body fight infection.

It’s rare for all parts of the blood, “whole blood”, to be used in a transfusion.  Usually, the blood is separated into its components and used for the specific properties if each. 

• Red blood cells along with hemoglobin, the protein inside the red blood cells, carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's organs and tissues and help the body get rid of carbon dioxide and other waste products.  

• Platelets prevent bleeding in the body by helping the blood to clot. 

• White blood cells help the body fight infection. 

• Plasma is the largest part of the blood. It, makes up 55% of the blood’s overall content. Plasma carries water, salts and enzymes throughout the body along with coagulation factors that help the blood to clot. 

Surgery Milestone Patch

Cancer Surgery (also know as oncologic surgery) is one the three main treatments for cancer along with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The goal of pediatric cancer surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, without injuring or removing any adjacent structures. Surgeons may remove a part of a tumor, the entire tumor, or even in some cases may elect to remove the affected organ to keep the cancer from spreading further. It all depends on the type of cancer and where it’s located.

Hair Loss Patch Milestone Patch

Hair loss or thinning can be one of the first signs that a child is being treated for cancer. It can happen all over the body or just the head, depending on the type of chemo or radiation therapy they are receiving. Some kids are ok with losing their hair, while others find it overwhelming. In most cases, hair grows back although it may grow back a different texture or color. Before the hair even begins to fall out, some kids decide to shave it off. This can make it easier when hair does begin to fall out and also provide a much needed and empowering sense of control over what's happening to their body. Whether a child decides to wear a hat, bandana, wig or go au natural, we feel Bald is Beautiful!! Just remember to put sunscreen on that sensitive head!

Radiation Therapy Milestone Patch

Radiation Therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors by damaging their DNA. Cancer cells whose DNA is damaged beyond repair stop dividing and die. However, radiation therapy does not kill cancer cells right away. It takes several treatments before the DNA is damaged enough for cancer cells to die. They continue dying long after radiation therapy ends.

Lumbar Puncture Milestone Patch

A Lumbar Puncture, which is also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing or to administer chemotherapy drugs to treat leukemia.  

A lumbar puncture is primarily used to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system.  It can also help diagnose serious infections, such as meningitis or cancer involving the brain or spinal cord. 

Central Line Dressing Change Patch

A  central line is a type of catheter placed in a large vein, allowing IV fluids to be given and blood to be drawn. When compared to a typical IV line, a central line is larger and can stay in place longer in order to provide a greater amount of fluids, and allowing blood to be drawn easily.  

A Central Line Dressing Change is a sterile procedure done at least once per week.  If the dressing becomes loose, wet, or dirty, the dressing must be changed more often to prevent infection.   

Diagnostic Imaging Milestone Patch

Diagnostic Imaging is used to make pictures inside the body. There are various methods of imaging which can help find tumors and other changes, as well as show how much disease is present, and establish if treatment is working. Imaging may also be used to do biopsies and other surgical procedures.   

Common types of imaging are X-ray, CT Scan, MRI and Ultrasound.  Each of these methods uses a different technology to see the inside of the body in a variety of ways.

X-ray uses low doses of radiation to take pictures inside your body.  These images can show bones, tissues and organs.   

CT Scan uses X-rays and MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves, to make detailed 3D image “slices” of the body’s bones, muscles, fat, and organs. They are much more detailed than traditional X-rays. They can show even small changes in tissues. They can assess blood flow, detect tumors, and diagnose many forms of cancer, evaluate infections, and assess injuries to bones and joints.   

Ultrasound uses high-energy sound waves to make images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. It can be used to look at how well organs are working and to look at blood flow through vessels. Tumors in the belly, liver, and kidneys can often be seen with an ultrasound.  

Mediport Milestone Patch

A Mediport or central venous catheter is placed under the skin in an outpatient surgical procedure. Some children who have shorter treatment courses may have a PICC line placed instead, which can be inserted and removed without a surgical procedure. Both provides a comfortable, convenient way to receive medications such as chemotherapy, fluids, and from which blood samples can be taken. A short needle called a Huber Needle is used to “access” the port. A special numbing cream can be used over the area before needle sticks. This makes it much more comfortable for the child who will need to have their port frequently accessed.