What to Expect
In December 2021, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute began welcoming patients from around the Gulf South Region. We are continuing our record of world-class care, acclaimed specialists and top-of-the-line multidisciplinary teams dedicated to specific types of cancer at our new location.
We are located at 7777 Hennessy Blvd. at the Medical Plaza 1 entrance.
You can reach the Cancer Institute by turning onto Hennessy Boulevard from Essen Lane. Look for the Lot C parking lot, which will be the second entrance on your right. There is dedicated parking in this lot for our patients and optional valet parking, free of charge, is available at the covered Cancer Institute entrance plaza.
Our attendants will be present at the entrance to provide wheelchair assistance services. Once inside, our Guest Services staff will greet and escort you to your destination.
We want to ease your concerns about finding your way in this new space and make sure that everything will be taken care of for you. If you have any questions or if we can help in any way, please contact us (225) 765-3064.
We are excited to welcome you to our new locations.
What to Ask At Your First Appointment
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.
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Questions about your diagnosis:
- What is the stage of my cancer?
- Has it spread to other areas of my body?
- Will I need more tests before treatment begins? Which ones?
- Will I need a specialist or specialists for my cancer treatment?
- Will you help me find a doctor to give me another opinion on the best treatment plan for me?
- How serious is my cancer?
- What are my chances of survival?
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Questions about your treatment:
- How is my type and stage of cancer treated?
- What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments?
- What treatment do you recommend? Why do you think it is best for me?
- When will I need to start treatment?
- Will I need to be in the hospital for treatment? If so, for how long?
- How is the treatment given?
- How long will each treatment session take? How many treatment sessions will I have?
- Should a family member or friend come with me to my treatment sessions?
- What is my chance of recovery with this treatment?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- Would a clinical trial (research study) be right for me?
- How do I find out about studies for my type and stage of cancer?
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Questions about side effects:
- What are the possible side effects of the treatment?
- What side effects may happen during or between my treatment sessions?
- Are there any side effects that I should call you about right away?
- Are there any lasting effects of the treatment?
- Will this treatment affect my ability to have children?
- How can I prevent or treat side effects?
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Questions about medicines:
- Do I need to tell you about the medicines I am taking now?
- Should I tell you about dietary supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, herbs or fish oil) that I am taking?
- Could any drugs or supplements change the way cancer treatment works?
Infusion Treatment
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:
- A selection of light snacks, fruit juices and soft drinks
- Warmed blankets and pillows (you are welcome to bring your own, if preferred)
- Television (you may bring your own personal ear buds)
- Wi-Fi access (you may bring your electronic devices)
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 someone with you who can drive you home after treatment, as the drugs administered may make you drowsy. Your doctor can help you understand and prepare for any side effects from treatment.