Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Cancer Center Childhood cancer and blood diseases of all types are treated in this hospital-linked outpatient treatment center. A child and family-friendly environment allows for play, rest, and educational activities. Exam rooms and treatment rooms are equipped with comfortable beds and televisions with VCRs and video games. The large play room has additional video equipment as well as computers, toys, and several play stations. Daily group and individual activities take place with educational and play specialists. Affiliations with other local and national oncology centers ensure that state of the art treatment is provided to every patient. Treatment protocols representing the national standard of care are based on clinical trials for pediatric cancer. More than 40 pediatric subspecialists in the St. John's Mercy Health Care system assist in caring for children in the Cancer Center. New Cancer Center of Excellence  The Pediatric Cancer and Hematology Center is now located within the David C. Pratt Cancer Center of Excellence. This high-tech facility incorporates physician offices and treatment areas together with full diagnostic radiology services including PET/CT scanning, an on-site laboratory, and radiation oncology. The pediatric suite provides a substantial increase in space for treatments and procedures, as well as having a large common area for therapeutic play, sibling activities and family interaction. Patient's Perspective  The Big Shelf Dr. Bob and Dr. Rob fight back with the big shelf. It sits in a back storage closet, well-stocked with toys and games provided by a group called Friends of Kids with Cancer. When a child has to have a painful procedure, the promise of a trip to the big shelf can make it seem tolerable. If they are brave, they get to pick out any toy they’d like. All of Dr. Bob’s and Dr. Rob’s kids are brave. St. Louis Post-Dispatch 1999 Prayer Journal, Tuesday September 26 Q: What is sacred to me? I find Dr. Bob's office sacred to me--when you walk down the 7th floor of St. John's Mercy Hospital's doctors' building and approach the door and then open it, it is almost magical. It is a place where almost everyone's happy most of the time, despite life-threatening illnesses. These illnesses are practically forgotten here, except for the bald heads and IV poles with tubes. There is always something to do and/or someone to talk to. The Winnie-the-Pooh mural on the walls adds to the whole pleasure of the experience of being there--it is so cheerful and happy. The kids are by far the most sacred ones I know. They just keep smiling and are the happiest kids--almost as if they are not battling for their lives at all. They seem happier than most kids, like they know something no one else does. They are very special. Dr. Bob's office is a big family that I feel privileged to be a part of. The kids are so smart and so innocent and have been through so much! The office is amazing beyond explanation. Dr. Bob and Dr. Rob are the Dads to the family, Jill the Mom, and the nurses like older, guiding sisters and helpers. I probably would go to Dr. Bob's all the time, if I could, but I wouldn't really want to be there as a cancer patient in treatment. I have been there and hope I can stay in this stage of my life--in remission, but still know about and be a contributing part of my second family at the oncology office at St. John's. R.B., 17 years old Message from a Family “My beautiful daughter, Kayla, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was only 18 weeks old. For most of her 16 months, we have been dealing with the issues families who have a child with cancer must face. From the beginning, Dr. Bergamini and his staff educated our family, supported us, and offered help in any way we needed. He and his staff encouraged questions, and listened to our needs. Throughout Kayla’s illness, we felt like we were part of a big, compassionate, and supportive family.” K.T., mother of Kayla Delivering an Unspoken Promise This pediatric cancer care center is at the forefront of its specialty, responding to a need to readdress the way serious illness is treated on many levels. Refreshingly lighter than the somber mood expected in an oncology office, here children and their families are upbeat and positive. They demonstrate the importance of fighting a child's underlying disease, as well as fighting to retain important elements of a normal life. M.D. News (2000) Leukemia Patient Feels Blessed Because of the way Dr. Bergamini (or Dr. Bob as he is now known to me) treats his patients, treatment became only a part of my life. Dr. Bob and his staff provide an office with a positive atmosphere that encourages the expression of feelings, both positive and negative. He wants his patients to be as "normal" as possible while fighting a serious disease. Supportive Voice Journal Volume 7, No. 3 (2001) |
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