Two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 leiomyosarcoma at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center. We returned home to New Orleans so that treatment could be coordinated with partners at Ochsner Hospital. We tried several locations in the metro area for the weekly blood labs and the chemotherapy every 3 weeks. Some were nice and others were, for lack of a better word, "scary"! Due to a scheduling mishap, we found ourselves driving to Luling and St Charles Parish Hospital Infusion Unit. That mistake was a blessing for us, as soon as we opened the door, we knew we were home. We were greeted with smiles and friendly voices, it was instantly obvious they wanted to make my wife as comfortable as possible, and the professionalism in their actions relaxed her. There was compassion blended with efficiency. They patiently answer your concerns, squeeze your hand (or hug you close) as needed, and converse with your caretakers, your family members, and even your cantankerous spouses!

These ladies, Erica, Mindy, Andrea, Robin, Lakeyla, and Dory are the epitome of what nursing should be. They know your medical needs, but they also know your birthday, your gramma's plantain recipe, and how to make the best bushwacker in town. They make you look forward to your next treatment. They are an important reason why my wife always maintains a positive attitude, the group is truly angels on earth. The scheduling, the blood labs, the PICC line irrigation, the dressing changes, and the 3-hour chemo treatment, all completed without a problem. St Charles General is the best-kept secret in infusion care, and we love each and every one of these women as family. They are real heroes.