Spring 2011 - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center

drugs,” Dr. Ferguson says. “As part of theNIH-sponsored Children’s Oncology Group,we are not only provided with the latestresearch and protocols, but have access tophysicians and researchers throughout theworld with the most up-to-date informationfor any given disease. At the same time,we strive to provide a friendly, comfortingand accommodating environment wherepatients and families are not only treatedas individuals, but as partners in workingtowards a cure.”Within a day of Rachel’s phone call toGlennon, Lauren had her initial visit withDr. Ferguson. Within an hour of Lauren’sappointment, Dr. Ferguson was on the phonewith Rachel to discuss the results. “I’ve beenreceiving regular, thorough updates fromDr. Ferguson on Lauren’s status; usually thesame day he sees her,” Rachel says. “The notesindicate that he’s discussed Lauren’s treatmentplan and possible outcomes with the Lees. It’sobvious they are spending a lot of time withthe family.”On December 27, 2010, Lauren begantreatment at Cardinal Glennon. For any pre-teen, thethought of needles and doctors can be scary. For Lauren,those fears were real. “She’s always been scared of needlesand doctors,” says Angie, Lauren’s mother. “But Dr.Ferguson was great at explaining the treatment process toLauren in a way that made her feel comfortable. You don’tget that with every doctor.”“I try to explain things using ‘plain English,’” Dr. Fergusonsays. “Since successful treatment depends as much uponthe family as it does upon what we do in the hospital, itis very important to work extra hard to educate patientsand families. I also try to emphasize that our entire team isavailable to answer questions; sometimes another doctor ornurse will explain things a little different, but in a way thatjust ‘clicks’ better.”In order to receive her medication, SSM CardinalGlennon Pediatric Surgeon, Edmund Yang, implanteda Portacath under Lauren’s skin in her chest. Before thesurgery, Dr. Yang visited with the Lee’s. “He came in andexplained every step of the way,” says Tim of Dr. Yang.Lauren may not like her port – “It’s disgusting,” she says –but she’s affectionately coined it “Dr. Ferguson-Yang.”After a series of questions and examination, Dr. Ferguson addresses the entire family - Lauren, mom, dadand sister - to go over Lauren’s progress and medication. In regard to the steroid medication Lauren has beentaking, Tim, Lauren’s father, mentions that her appetite has increased. A side-effect the Lees are aware of, Dr.Ferguson jokingly assures them, “I do not get kick-backs from Dierberg’s or Schnuck’s.” Laughing, Tim says,“Maybe you should!” Before leaving, Dr. Ferguson checks with Lauren - “Anything else I can do for you?”to David Ish, Director of Child Life. “I met the toy guy. Hebrought me ceramics to paint and stuffed animals,” Laurensays. Child Life Services provides activities and opportunitiesfor patients to help reduce stress and anxiety and gain a senseof control over their hospital experience.Another big support has been Lauren’s older sister Morgan,22. Both Tim and Angie agree, “Morgan is the rock.” Inregard to Cardinal Glennon faculty and staff, Morgan says,“They’re all really nice and try to make everything as painlessas possible.”Recently, Lauren confided in her mom – “After all of this, Ijust may like doctors.”To pass the time during her inpatient and outpatient visitsto Glennon, Lauren listens to her new iPod Touch that sheunwrapped this past Christmas. She also was introduced(From left to right) Lauren, Morgan, Tim and Angie Lee9