Having cancer can be a scary experience, and it's natural to have many questions about the treatment process. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer, and they can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the journey. But how long does an oncology appointment last?At the first appointment, the oncologist will discuss treatment options. They will explain which ones are available, how effective they are, and what the side effects may be.
The doctor will then recommend a course of action and talk about when treatments should be done. During your first visit, an oncologist will focus on your type of cancer and share what treatment options fit your diagnosis. Knowing what to expect can make cancer treatment less stressful. The first thing the oncologist will ask is your medical history. When you walk into the doctor's office, it's very easy to forget when things happened, so it's helpful to write down your history to remember the chronology of events.
Take note of your symptoms and what made you go to the doctor in the first place. What tests did your doctor prescribe for you? Were you referred to other specialists? Have you been treated for cancer in the past?In most cases, the introductory consultation will usually include a brief physical exam by the oncologist. Your oncologist and a specialized team of cancer experts will explain your options and answer questions from your first consultation to treatment. Upon completion of treatment, your intravenous administration will be discontinued and you will be sent to the check-out counter to schedule your next appointment. It's important to listen carefully to what your oncologist has to say, as many of your questions can be answered.
If you need to reschedule an appointment, call the number on your appointment letter or email reminder. Depending on the type and stage of your illness, your first appointment will usually be with a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist. If you have or suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19, take these precautions before seeking care. If you have an appointment, learn about the safety measures in place at all Duke Health locations. Ultimately, the oncologist wants to provide patients with the right resources and treatments to overcome the disease and enjoy a successful recovery. By listening to my patient's perspective, I can get an idea of how to best meet their needs and help them achieve their goals, says Dr.
Mark Pomerantz, an oncologist at Dana-Farber. It was a lot to take in, so I had a second appointment to discuss the details of my chemotherapy (FEC-T), including all possible side effects and what to do if you have a fever, etc. When it's time to meet with your oncologist for the first time, you'll usually be asked to explain your story. This can be exceptionally valuable if your diagnosis falls into the “gray area”, and your oncologist can even help facilitate a meeting with another doctor. I think it's important for patients to understand that an oncology appointment can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to several hours depending on their individual situation. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make cancer treatment less stressful.
