When you meet with your doctor or other members of your healthcare team to discuss your diagnosis, you will hear a lot of information that might seem overwhelming at first. It helps to plan ahead and compile a list of questions and concerns you want to address during your appointments.
Below are some commonly asked questions to help guide you as your gather information when meeting with your doctor.
If you are receiving infusion treatment, you will proceed to the Infusion Suite after meeting with your physician and/or your laboratory results have been approved. We want you to be comfortable and informed as you begin treatment. The nurses will explain what to expect during treatment, the medications you will receive and how to manage side effects. Our nurses will be available during your treatment to answer any questions you may have.
For your comfort, we'll have several items on hand available for you, such as:
You are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch depending on the time and length of your treatment. We request that food be cold or room temperature, as we do not have accommodations for heating or storing food. Please do not bring foods that have strong odors, as the smell of certain foods could make others uncomfortable. A sandwich and a bag of chips or fruit are good choices.
Most importantly, have a support person with you who is over the age of 18. Your doctor can help you understand and prepare for any side effects from treatment.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
7777 Hennessy Blvd.
Entrance C, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 765-5770
Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group - LSU Health Baton Rouge Oncology
5439 Airline Highway,
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
(225) 358-2313
Lane Regional Medical Center
6180 Main Street, Suite A,
Zachary, LA, 70791
(225) 570-1212
Woman’s Hospital
500 Rue De La Vie St.,
Cancer Pavillon, Suite 430,
Baton Rouge, LA 70817
(225) 215-7600
A healthy diet is always good for a healthy body and mind. But for cancer patients, both the illness and its treatments can change the way you eat and affect how your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients.
Certain high-protein, high-calorie foods might help you build the strength and the weight to withstand the effects of cancer and its treatments. Foods like ice cream, milk shakes and other thick, cool foods, can be easier on your mouth and throat if you’re dealing with soreness. And other foods high in dense nutrients and vitamins will help your body heal and recover faster.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can play a critical role in supporting your physical and emotional well-being during cancer treatment. Gentle activities like walking, yoga or stretching can help boost energy levels, improve mood and enhance your body’s ability to recover. Exercise can also reduce fatigue and help maintain muscle strength, which is particularly important when undergoing treatment.
Your cancer care team will help guide you through this process of understanding what to eat and what to avoid before and during treatment. A registered dietitian will likely also be part of your cancer care team, helping to develop an individualized nutrition strategy. We strongly encourage family members to participate in the patient’s nutrition counseling.
Our cancer care is more than just cancer care. We treat our patients as the people they are, supporting their physical, mental and spiritual health long after the last treatment. Surviving cancer brings its own challenges that impact every aspect of life in its “new normal,” and we help our patients make life after cancer the best it can be.
Once cancer treatment is complete, there are a variety of resources available to you for the next phase of your journey – being a survivor! That may include survivor support events or a one-on-one visit with an oncology navigator, registered dietician or social worker to discuss ways we can support your needs through general health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, mental health, managing anxiety and concerns about cancer recurring. This extension of care provides reassurance during the transition from patient to survivor.
These are just some of the ways our cancer care teams show their commitment to helping you live your best life through treatment and after. Speak with your care team about the resources available.