Frequently Asked Questions

The pediatric hematologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists at Brenner are the region’s leading experts in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Our specialists have trained for many years in both pediatrics and their specialty to provide exceptional care for your child. We use the latest in technology and medical advancements and work with a team of more than 120 multidisciplinary experts at Brenner to provide comprehensive care and treatment.

We specialize in the care of children with a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, including anemia, bone and soft tissue cancer, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma and Sickle Cell anemia.

Our physicians are doctors who have trained in both pediatrics and their specialty (hematology, oncology or radiation oncology). They have trained for many years and have extensive experience in the care and treatment of pediatric patients of all ages.

The pediatric hematologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists at Brenner are highly trained specialists with access to the latest in state-of-the-art technology and medications. We work with specialists throughout Brenner Children’s to provide care for a wide range of pediatric cancers and blood disorders.

When you come for your appointment, please bring your child’s medical records and any imaging studies, which should be placed on a CD or other electronic storage device. Please bring your original studies with you, if possible.

IV is short for intravenous catheter, which is a small tube inserted into a vein for the delivery of medicines that treat pain, anxiety and nausea. IVs are also used to give antibiotics and life-saving medicines to critically ill children.

A port or portacath is a catheter inserted into a vein to provide access for chemotherapy. Portacaths are surgically inserted under the skin and the clavicle or collar bone as a direct route to a vein. A small silicone rubber tube is placed on the outside of the body through which medicine can be injected.

Being there for your child before, during and after surgery is the most important thing you can do to help him or her. Surgery can be a very stressful time and your support helps your child maintain the highest level of emotional health.

You may also want to do the following to prepare your child for surgery:

• Make a list of questions about your child’s diagnosis and treatment and bring that list to your appointments with your doctor.
• Schedule a visit with the surgical team for a tour of the OR and more.
• Bring some of your child’s favorite things with you for his or her stay at Brenner. Those comfort items might include family photos, books, favorite toys or stuffed animals, music and a portable music player or a laptop computer.
• You should also bring things to help you during your child’s period of stay at Brenner. It’s important that you also maintain optimal physical and emotional health during your child’s surgery and post-operative treatment.

We offer a range of support services for patients and their families. Please ask your health care team for more information about Brenner support services and a checklist of things to do right before surgery, including any restrictions on food and water intake.

Located directly across the street from the Wake Forest Baptist Health campus in Winston-Salem, NC, the Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for Brenner patients’ families (including siblings) who live outside of Forsyth County. Ronald McDonald House volunteers provide freshly prepared meals each day for visiting families. Family assistance program volunteers also provide support to all family members during their stay. To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House, visit their website.

We offer many counseling services for children and their families. Counseling to help cope with the diagnosis and treatment plan, changes and relationship stress, behavioral problems and school-related issues and depression anxiety and/or grief are all offered as part of Brenner’s expansive services for patients and their families.

For more details about these counseling services, please contact Jeff Ungetheim at 336-713-5984 or jungethe@wakehealth.edu.   

Family-centered care is a type of patient care in which our health care team provides care for an entire family. We are available to answer all of your questions and help with any concerns you may have during your child’s stay at Brenner.

Pediatric research is an important part of our mission at Brenner Children’s. Each year, our experts participate in numerous clinical trials or research studies. The goal of research is to find better treatments for children and improve health outcomes. Learn more about our current clinical trials and studies.

Our pediatric hematologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists are experts in their field and have been providing care for babies, children, teens and young adults for many years. We use the latest in clinical and technological advancements and medications to care for our patients and will do all that is medically possible to ensure your child has the best possible outcome during their care at Brenner. In addition, we manage a thorough follow-up care program and work closely with your pediatrician and other pediatric specialists to ensure continued optimal care and treatment for your child.