Cincinnati Children’s is one of the only sites in the country to offer proton therapy specifically for pediatric patients. Proton therapy is a type of radiation treatment that can target certain tumors with minimal harm to surrounding tissues.
As part of the proton therapy protocol, many patients will have weekly MRIs to evaluate the size of the tumor. These MRI scans are much shorter than our routine studies since they are specifically done to measure the tumor. The three sets of pictures are typically done within 15 minutes; as a result, most children can complete the scan without any type of sedation. As with all scans here, the patient can watch a movie during the scan, too.
Our MRI division works closely with the Proton Center to coordinate scheduling these scans. The Proton Center staff often contact our MRI techs directly to schedule any scans that are needed immediately. This can expedite the onset of the patient’s therapy treatment. Additionally, the follow-up scans are scheduled as close as possible to therapy appointments so that the patient doesn’t have to stay at the hospital very long between the two appointments.
In seeing these patients on a weekly basis, our techs form friendships with the families. They often give dining suggestions to out-of-town families as well as giving recommendations for things to do in the area.
The Liberty MRI staff is proud to be part of such a specialized treatment offered at Cincinnati Children’s!
Becky has been an MRI Tech at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for almost 15 years. She grew up on the west side of Cincinnati and studied Radiology at UC. She lived in Southern Maryland and Virginia Beach while her husband served in the US Navy and came back to the area just as the Liberty Campus was opening. She loves being in such a great team and working with kids. She enjoys spending time with her children and 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Becky Barth, RT(R)(CT)(MR), author; Glenn Miñano, BFA, editor; Meredith Towbin, copy editor
