What Do I Expect from Ist Oncology Visit?

MaggieCat

Just wondering... what comes from that hour long visit with the oncologist?  I'm taking my info with me, so really what happens? Actually seeing two different MDs... one on 11/14, the other 11/17.  Thanks

Mischief46

my first visit consisted of talking about my diagnosis and possible treatments.  (I met him before I had surgery and my final pathology report.)  He did do a quick exam but I don't remember to much else.  Mostly talked and made sure I understood everything..

linzer

I met with the MO, surgeon, RO, nurse practioners. It was a very informative meeting. They mapped out everything for me based on the meeting/conversation they must have had prior to my arrival. I left knowing exactly how the treatment plan would roll out from start to finish - assuming that A) I decided to go with them and I don't hit any obstacles along the way. I left that day scared to start treatment, but so relieved to know that they had my back. 

PoppyK

I know every place is different, but my appt lasted hours. I was seen at a breast cancer center. I met with the nurse navigator. They took an extensive health history, mine and my family's. I was examined. We discussed my biopsy results and treatment options. I was not prepared to be asked whether I wanted a lumpectomy or mastectomy. I didn't realize how many choices I had. I opted to have the blood test to check to see if I had the "breast cancer" genes... So I had my blood drawn and met with a genetics counselor. I was offered the opportunity to meet with a family therapist. When I left, I had consultation appts set with a radiation oncologist and plastic surgeon.

It was a long day, but I learned so much about MY treatment options.

If possible, record what your doctor says so you can review it later. Take notes. If you can, bring someone with you. A second set of ears can be helpful.

Wishing you the best!

Poppy

Anonymous

I'm sure every situation is different. Seems you've already covered the big thing - to take an advocate with you.  I did not care for my first oncologist's bedside manner (and later switched).  But I guess that's what one gets with a statistical genius type, and that's really what we want.  Hard to find a great scientist in the same body as one who is caring about strangers.  Anyway...all I remember is his asking me what made me decide on a mastectomy (versus lumpectomy and radiation).  I said that it was a numbers game for me. They can tell me that the odds are the same, but I'd have to undergo radiation if I did a lumpectomy, which has its own problems, and then there was the possibility of 2nd or more additional surgeries if the margins weren't clear or there was another recurrence.  I'm all about "just get it out"! 

I'd ALREADY had my surgery before meeting him - I know that's not true of every type of treatment so that makes a difference I assume.  Anyway, he said he'd explain it to my by the numbers. He used a white board and wrote a ton of odds all over it - all of which I forgot.  He taped his speech so I could review it later (something I'd been advised to do but wasn't prepared, but then he did it for me as a matter of course).  I didn't have anyone who could go with me, so it was quite a lot of scientific info.  Then I guess he scheduled sent me to be scheduled for my first chemo.  I saw someone say they had an HOUR long appointment!  Wow, I wasn't in his office for ... 15 minutes?  Or maybe I'm just not remembering it well.  It was the easiest of all appointments because there was no pain!

Best to ya.

Jelson

I just found this on Cancernetwork - 7 tips for a successful first oncology visit - from the perspective of the oncologist!! no surprises, but reassuring that many of the suggestions made here - are hoped for by the oncologist - bringing someone with you, asking questions etc.

http://www.cancernetwork.com/blog/7-tips-successfu...

labelle

During my first visit w the OC we mostly talked about testing as there are certain things you want to know prior to deciding on treatment. Specifically, in my case genetics testing for BRCA was recommended before any surgery decisions were made and the OC got my permission to send tissues from my core needle biopsy to be Oncotyped to help determine how valuable chemo treatment might be for me. I think Oncotype testing has become pretty standard in helping OCs determine if chemo will be beneficial for those w relatively small tumors. Anyway, my first OC visit was mostly about what tests were needed and getting the ball rolling by ordering the tests/getting appointments made w other providers (the genetics people in my case).