It was recently announced via HoumaToday that Terrebonne General’s Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma, Louisiana will begin construction soon for a $4 million expansion, as per this article. The construction, which will add a variety of new services and technologies to the Cancer Center, is expected to be completed by next fall. During the renovation, which will consist of expanding the center by more than 15,000 square feet, all cancer care and cancer center services will continue to be offered without interruption.

The $4 million expansion will include a relocation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s infusion center, where chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments are delivered. The infusion center will be relocated to the third floor of the clinic. Other additions that will occur due to the renovations are the increase in the number of infusion bays, from 22 to 27 total infusion bays, and the clinic exam rooms will see a capacity increase from eight people to twenty.

Additionally, there will be the installation of semi-private bays with televisions, a new common area treatment space that will be able to be used for patients who want to be in the company of others, and the addition of more private rooms for patients who wish to receive their infusion in a quieter environment.

In a news release, the president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System, Phyllis Peoples, said “this renovation and expansion project is about bringing even more state-of-the-art, comprehensive services to patients in the Bayou Region in a calming, comforting environment. Our goal continues to be laser-focused on providing the best and most up-to-date clinical cancer care in the region.”

The renovation of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center will also see the installation of the new Elekta Infinity. The Elekta Infinity is an advanced treatment system that reduces time and radiation exposure from radiotherapy; additionally, the system can deliver aggressive treatment more precisely to a targeted area through sophisticated computer programming. This will limit the effects of radiation on healthy cells while also enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Chief Operating Officer Jonas Fontenot, who is also the Dr. Charles M. Smith Chief of Physics, made it known that this new technology, referring to the Elekta Infinity, is currently available to cancer patients at the center.

Fontenot added, “the science and technology of cancer care are constantly evolving, and the cancer center is committed to bringing the latest advancements to help improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. Together with Terrebonne General, we are building an integrative care model where there is a level of support not available at any other cancer center in the region. It’s about always putting the patient first.”

The second floor of the Cancer Center will have new and existing support service areas located there for patient convenience. Additionally, the second floor is set to house a gym for cancer patients requiring physical rehabilitation or exercise programs as part of their treatment. Also coming to the second floor of the Cancer Center is a lymphedema management service, which will be used to reduce pain and swelling that’s caused by lymph node damage; a dietary consultation area that will provide patients with specialized nutritional guidance; a meditation room to provide a place of serenity, reflection, and comfort for patients and their loved ones; a multi-purpose space so that patients can be supported mentally, emotionally and spiritually through music and art therapy; and a supporter space for loved ones to comfortably wait for patients.

Amy Boudreaux, the director of the Terrebonne General | Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center spoke about the renovations coming to the Cancer Center by saying, “we are extremely excited to deliver a larger-scale, more advanced Cancer Center to our community. We appreciate the Bayou Region’s continued support, and look forward to fulfilling the needs of those who turn to us during such a vulnerable time of their lives.”

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