Meeting the oncologist on Wednesday. What to expect?

Jlynn207

is this another exam? Or is it more of a meeting. I’m bringing my mother however I don’t like to have others in the room during exams. So I’m just wondering what happened during some of your first oncology appointments

OnTarget

I have had two different oncologists (primary plus a second opinion). I don't think I had an exam from my primary oncologist it was a meeting, but I definitely got a full exam from the second opinion.

For all of my other visits with just about anyone, I've had an exam where my SO was present. Some of the rooms had curtains to do a private exam and others didn't. I believe that I've had most consults in my exam gown just after they examined me. I'm at a teaching hospital, so for my surgeon's visits I always felt like there were a ton of people present (surgeon, resident, fellow, nurse navigator). For my oncologist it was just her.

I would imagine that you could request that your consult and exam be separate. It seems to me that all of these places are pretty conscious of the patient's feelings.

I did find that I was self conscious at first, but after all of the people examining me, I am totally used to it now.

MountainMia

I recommend calling the clinic on Monday and asking how they proceed. If there is a "nurse navigator" or the oncologist's nurse, that person should be able to tell you what to expect. You don't need to know that person's name. Just tell the receptionist that you'd like to speak to that nurse, or someone else who can talk to you about it. They'll connect you to someone who can help.

Wishing you all the best.

ARL624

Hello & good luck with your first oncology appointment.

I had my first medical oncologist consult last week and second one this week and they both talked/plan to talk first and examined/will examine me second.

The nurse navigator can usually tell you what to expect at the appointment. I think there should be a what to expect with every thing in cancer world to minimize the anxiety of the unknown!

Sara536

Talking to the nurse navigator is a really good idea because she is familiar with what happens at that practice. There seems to be a wide variety in what MO’s do at that first visit. Some give you a very thorough physical exam and others just hand you a prescription and then run their stethoscope around on your back almost as an afterthought.

gb2115

Every time I see the oncologist she examines me. She did at the first consult too. If you don't want your mother to witness that, they would probably let her step outside for that part. I wouldn't want anyone in there with me either, except my husband.

Spoonie77

As many others have said, my oncologists (all - surgical/radiation/medical specialities) have always done a talk/discussion at first and then at some point later in the appt, a physical exam. Sometimes I'm asked to change into a robe at the beginning vs later, just depends. Either way I'm given privacy I need if I have someone with me. I've taken my mother to my first set of appts, and my dad too. I just let my drs know at the beginning of the appt that they're here for the discussion and when it's time for the exam, they will step out. Both sides (parents and drs) have been totally fine with this. Wishing you a productive appt with the help of your mother. Keep us posted.

Spookiesmom

Let mom stay! An extra set is ears is sooooo important. You will be given so much information you won’t remember all of it.