When cancer patients come through the doors of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for the first time, they are often frightened. Every member of the Mary Bird Perkins team, from the receptionists to the physicians, works hard to allay those fears.
During your treatment, you may work with a number of health care professionals while undergoing radiation therapy. These specialists ensure that all of your physical and psychological needs are met during your treatment.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists work with the radiation oncologist to administer the daily radiation treatment under the doctor’s prescription and supervision. Your radiation therapists will check the treatment machines daily to make sure they are working properly, accurately align the radiation beam to the area of treatment and keep a daily record of your treatment.
Radiation therapists go through a two- to four-year educational program following high school or college. They take a special examination and are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. In addition, our radiation therapists are licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Radiologic Technology.
Radiation Oncology Nurses
Radiation oncology nurses are specifically trained in the needs of cancer patients and work with your radiation oncologist and radiation therapists to care for you and your family at the time of consultation, while you are receiving treatment and during your follow-up care. They are conveniently available to patients and their loved ones and are a good source of information.
Radiation oncology nurses are licensed registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. The registered nurses providing care at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center have all received certification in oncology by the Oncology Nurses’ Society.
Computed Tomography Technologists
Computed Tomography (CT) technologists are specially trained to perform diagnostic and radiation treatment planning scans to help your physician plan your course of treatment. The CT technologist will give you any oral or intravenous contrast ordered by the physician, make immobilization devices and put the initial marks on your skin.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
The nuclear medicine technologist is specially trained to perform Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. He/she will give you a radioactive substance through an IV and perform the scan as prescribed by the physician. Your physician will use this scan in diagnosing or staging your cancer or in planning your treatment.
Oncology Social Workers
The first visit to a cancer treatment facility can be confusing and stressful for anyone. Patients and their families are faced not only with concerns related to the diagnosis of cancer, but they must also contend with a major disruption of their lives. Full-time oncology social workers on staff at Mary Bird Perkins provide a wide range of services and are available at no additional cost. Social workers can help you cope with the physical, emotional, financial and lifestyle changes associated with having cancer and its treatment. They can also provide referrals to other cancer-related agencies that offer assistance with necessary financial obligations such as help with electricity and utility bills.
The social services department provides a wide range of services including the following:
A member of the social services team is available to meet with patients, family members and loved ones during the course of the patient’s outpatient treatments. Visit the front desk for assistance in contacting the social services team.
Clinical Dietitian
Maintaining good nutrition and a proper diet is very important if a person is to preserve the energy and strength necessary to combat cancer. Doctors and researchers have found that patients who eat well during their treatment periods -- especially those who eat diets high in protein and calories -- are better able to withstand the side effects and stress related to treatment.
The Center’s clinical dietitian is trained to determine the patient’s nutritional needs and to develop an individualized diet plan that will meet these needs during treatment and recovery. The dietitian often can suggest alternatives if a specific problem restricts the ability of a patient to eat certain foods or if swallowing becomes difficult. Food choices and preparation can be altered to encourage good nutrition and help maintain the patient's ideal body weight. Furnishing helpful literature on nutrition and providing samples of dietary supplements are other ways the dietitian can help patients and their caregivers during treatment.
Patients with tumors in the head and neck area or esophagus see the dietitian weekly. Patients with weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea should consult the dietitian as needed. All other patients see the dietitian by request or if a radiation therapist schedules a consultation.
The dietitian is available to answer any nutrition-related questions and will gladly offer suggestions or advice on eating well during treatment, will furnish helpful literature on nutrition, and may even provide samples of dietary supplements for the patient. The clinical dietitian is available to all patients at no charge in Baton Rouge, Hammond and Covington. Visit the front desk for assistance in contacting the clinical dietitian.
Clinical Research Nurses
At the heart of cancer research are clinical trials, studies investigating ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, control and treat cancer. They may also study the psychological impact of the disease and ways to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life. Those enrolled in clinical trials are among the first to receive new research treatments before they are widely available. Through our clinical research program, Mary Bird Perkins is committed to assuring our community access to the most modern and up-to-date treatments. If your physician determines that a particular research trial may be appropriate for you, he/she will discuss the details of the study with you. If you consent to the study, a clinical research nurse will explain the details of the research study to you, explain and obtain your written consent to participate and ensure that the research protocol is strictly followed.
Oncologic Dentist
Patients who are treated with radiation may experience some localized side effects, that is, bodily reactions in the area being irradiated. If a patient has cancer in the head or neck region, the mouth or throat (or both) may fall within the path of the radiation beam. If so, certain special complications can occur which may affect the patient’s dental health.
If the radiation oncologist determines that this is the case for a patient, he or she will recommend evaluation by the Center's oncologic dentist prior to the patients’ radiation treatment. The dentist works closely with the Center’s radiation oncologists to reduce exposure and potential damage to healthy tissues, while also taking steps to promote patients’ dental health. This proactive approach ultimately helps reduce potential side effects such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The dentist may custom-build devices which help block radiation from areas of the mouth which need not be treated. Weekly appointments may be scheduled with the dentist during the course of treatment.
Students and Interns
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center actively participates in training young men and women in careers in medicine. You may encounter some students who are participants in some of the following programs:
Under the supervision of Mary Bird Perkins’ staff, these students may participate in patient care at the Center without directly administering treatment. If you do not wish for a student to participate in your care please let your radiation therapist know.