Health Library

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• What Is Gene Therapy?

  Gene therapy carries the promise of cures for many diseases and for types of medical treatment most of us would not have thought possible.

• What’s a Nurse Practitioner?

  What are nurse practitioners, and how do they differ from medical doctors?

• Anesthesia – What to Expect

  Here's a quick look at what may happen before, during, and after your child gets anesthesia.

• Central Lines (Central Venous Catheters)

  A central line, or central venous catheter, is much longer than a regular IV. Doctors use them to give medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition to patients.

• Helping Kids Get Ready for Surgery

  Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.

• Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer

  This promising new type of cancer treatment stimulates a person's immune system so it is better able to fight disease.

• Implanted Ports

  An implanted port is a type of central line that goes up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A child can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through one.

• Keeping Your Child Healthy During Cancer Remission

  Many families with a child in remission feel empowered to make lifestyle changes that could benefit their child's health in the future. Here are some tips.

• Late Effects of Cancer and Cancer Treatment

  Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.

• Nutritional Needs for Kids With Cancer

  Eating as well as possible and staying hydrated can help kids undergoing cancer treatment keep up their strength and deal with side effects. These tips can help.

• Steroids for Treating Cancer

  Unlike the steroids that body builders use, steroids used in cancer treatment are safe and help kids feel better.

• Tunneled Central Lines

  These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

• Proton Therapy for Cancer

  Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.

• Chemotherapy

  Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.

• Stem Cell Transplants

  Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

• Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

  Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.