PEOPLE IN THE HOSPITAL
- Doctors: This includes different types of people who are working to help children or adults stay healthy or get better. They have special training in medicine and how to treat different parts of the body. You will meet a lot of doctors.
- Pediatrician: This type of doctor specializes in the care of children. They see children for check ups, immunizations, and when you are not feeling well.
Hematologist: This doctor specializes in diseases and disorders that are related to the blood.
Oncologist: This type of doctor specializes in treating different types of cancers.
Pathologist: This type of doctor studies diseases of the body. They use microscopes to study cells and tissues of the body to help make a diagnosis.
Radiologist: These doctors use x-rays and other scanning techniques to obtain images of your body.
Pediatric Oncology Nurse: This is a medically trained professional that cares for children when they are sick. They may start IV's, access ports and draw blood. They can assist with procedures and they can give medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
Lab Technician: This is a person that will help with various diagnostic(finding out) tests like Bloodwork, Scans and X-rays to name a few.
Dietician: This is a person who carefully plans meals that help a person when they are in the hospital. Some people can not eat sugar or must limit their salt so special care is taken in planning their menu. Most hospitals want the patient to choose. Chicken nuggets or pizza? Which one would you like?
Social Worker: This person is there to help families. Sometimes they can help you or your parents understand what is going on. Someone to talk to about transportation or medical bills. They have resources for camps and special programs in the community.
Psychologist: This is another helping person. They help you with your feelings. You may be upset about a new diagnosis...you may be mad at everyone, you may not want to talk, you may cry, these are all normal feelings. They can help sort out these feelings.
Child Life Specialist: These are helping people too. Their job is to help you cope better with being in the hospital. They provide activities to help the time pass. They also teach kids about what to expect in the hospital and can help support you when you are feeling afraid or nervous. You can usually find them in the playroom.
Chaplain: This is another helping person. They provide spiritual help to the patient and family. Different religions are represented and can be called when needed.
LABORATORY TESTS
- Bone Marrow Test/Aspiration: This is a test that takes fluid from the bone marrow. The blood cells from the test are then looked at under a microscope.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: This is a test that takes a tiny piece of bone for your doctor to look at.
Spinal Tap: This is a procedure that takes fluid from your spinal canal to see if there are cancer cells in the central nervous system. This is a way to also tell if the cancer is under control or in REMISSION. It is also a way to give chemotherapy.
CBC: Complete blood count..numbers of different cells in the blood.
UNUSUAL SOUNDING BLOOD RELATED WORDS
- Red Blood Cells: They are the most numerous of the cells in the body. They are in charge of transportation. They are filled with hemogoblin which helps them carry Oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body and back again.
White Blood Cells: These are the warriors and the defenders of the body.They go where they are needed to kill and digest harmful infections.
Platelets: One of those counts in the CBC.Platelets are small cells found in the blood. Their job is to help control bleeding, they help with clotting.
Neutrophils: Also called granulocytes, are white blood cells which protect the body from bacterial and fungal infections.
Plasma: This is the liquid part of the blood.
Petechiae (pa-teak-key-i): These are small red dots under the skin, they look like red freckles.
Anemia: This is a condition that happens when the red blood count or hemoglobin is low. This information is obtained from a CBC or complete blood count. When this happens you may feel tired. The doctor may order a blood transfusion.
Blood Transfusion: This is the "transfer" of red blood cells or a part of the blood from one person to another person. You may receive what is commonly known as packed red blood cells or a platelet transfusion.