During your first visit, an oncologist will focus on your type of cancer and share treatment options that fit your diagnosis. Knowing what to expect can make cancer treatment less stressful. Your doctor will review your current medications, medical, surgical and family history. Having cancer can be a scary experience, as there are many unknown factors, especially when it comes to long-term prospects and prospects for recovery.
At the first appointment, the oncologist will discuss treatment options. Your doctor will explain which ones are available, how effective they are, and what the side effects may be. The oncologist will then recommend a course of action and talk about when treatments should be done. During the first visit, the oncologist will explain more about breast cancer, such as the type and exact location where the cancer may be.
The two of you will review your treatment options and what might be best for you. In most cases, the introductory consultation will usually include a brief physical exam by the oncologist. Ultimately, the doctor's goal is to identify or rule out if there is cancer and where it is present, establish an accurate diagnosis, and provide you with the best resources to overcome your condition. We'll give you all the time you need to answer your questions, explain your type of cancer and treatment options, and describe next steps. Treatment may not start at the first visit.
Good communication between you and your medical team is essential. You are the expert in your body. Be sure to raise any concerns with your doctor and healthcare team. Your first date is also the ideal time to bring along the list of questions you created. When you finish your first appointment, take a step back and take a deep breath.
You've taken an important step and you have a plan to move forward. Save time on your first appointment by completing paperwork ahead of time. 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 Mark Pomerantz, MD, Dana-Farber oncologist. Hematologic oncologists also treat patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and thalassemia, as well as blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. When it's time to meet with your oncologist for the first time, you'll usually be asked to explain your story. As physicians, oncologists' study of cancer and blood disorders begins in medical school, after which the paths diverge depending on the specialty chosen by the doctor.
Requesting an evaluation from another oncologist is common practice, especially an expert on a specific cancer or body part. The oncologist's team, including a pathologist, studies the sample to see if it contains cancer cells. It could take place in the same hospital or you may be advised to get local care if your oncologist thinks you can get the same care closer to home. You will meet with an oncologist who specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Before you meet with your oncologist who is usually assigned based on your type of cancer, your presentation to the team will likely be in the form of a phone call from a patient coordinator. If you have a confirmed cancer diagnosis, you will be referred to an oncologist who will review your case individually, explain all your treatment options and recommend you.
This allows your oncologist to control your doses and adapt your cancer treatment to help avoid drug interactions. Once all of your information has been gathered, your oncologist will want to make sure that you understand your cancer. In this case, your oncologist will be in regular contact with your local care team and they will be available whenever you have a question or decision to make regarding your care. We also encourage you to review these FAQs which you may want to discuss with your nurse or oncologist during your visit.
