What to Expect
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 survival 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 clinical trials 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 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.
Infusion Locations:
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
The Importance of Nutrition and Exercise During Treatment
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.
Looking Ahead to Survivorship
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.