The first visit to an oncologist for cancer treatment in Gurgaon is likely to be a difficult experience for a cancer patient. They will be bombarded with information and may feel nervous about the whole process. This is why it’s important to have someone you trust with you during the consultation. They can help you stay calm, take notes, and remind you to ask questions.
Prepare For a First Visit to an Oncologist
A first visit to an oncologist can be overwhelming. It is important to gather as much information as possible before the appointment. For example, you should make a list of all your current prescription medications and dietary supplements. You can also enlist someone to help you process the information and ask questions.
- Gather Information
In preparation for your appointment, you might want to bring a notebook and pen. This will help you remember what you discussed during your visit. You may also want to record the session, but you should get the oncologist’s permission first. If possible, bring a close friend or relative with you. This person can be a great support and help you absorb all the information.
Having your health insurance information handy is also a smart idea. If your insurance plan doesn’t cover cancer treatments, you should check with your health insurer before scheduling an appointment. Depending on your coverage, you may need an interpreter, so make sure you get this information in advance.
- Diagnosis By The Doctor
Your oncologist will explain your diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Before your appointment, you should read some basic articles about cancer and make a list of questions. You should also bring your medical records to your appointment. Moreover, you can bring any relevant articles related to your cancer.
The oncologist will perform a thorough examination of your cancer and ask questions about your health history. Various tests and scans will also be performed so the doctor can form a treatment plan. The oncologist will also discuss your treatment goals, your concerns, and your anxiety.
- Personal History Check
Your ovarian cancer specialist will ask you about your personal history, as well as your treatment history. He will also confirm any information in your file or a biobank. The bio bank stores samples of tumours and is used by researchers to improve treatment options.
Bring a pen and paper to record your story, and write down any questions you may have. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of any medications you’re taking. Some common supplements can interact with your cancer treatments, so it’s a good idea to bring a list of those as well.
Questions That Your Doctor Will Ask On a First Visit
- What Kind Of Cancer Do You Have?
This is the very first question your doctor will ask you, and it is important that you know the answer. Different cancers require different treatments. If your doctor applies the wrong treatment to your cancer, it could be even more harmful than beneficial. Things to keep in mind while answering this question are:
- Where the cancer was found (based on location),
- How advanced it is based on blood work and imaging tests,
- How much advanced it seems to be based on clinical signs (size, etc.).
- What Is Your Medical History?
Your ovarian cancer specialist will most likely ask you this question to know what led to the cancer. They want to know what led up to the cancer, how often it has been occurring, and why it keeps coming back. This question is also important because your doctor can start from there and look at other causes of cancer to prevent in the future.
What Questions To Ask Your Doctor?
- How Often Do I Need To Come?
An important question to ask your oncologist is how often you will return. In some cases, you need to schedule a follow-up visit only once every two or three months. In other cases, you may need to come back every week or month or even more frequently.
Oncologists are trained to monitor tumours if they are growing or progressing. Some tumours require regular visits in order to track the progress of the tumour and cancer treatment. Even so, most doctors will tell patients that they need not return as often if their symptoms have been well controlled (lowered) by medications.
However, if cancer symptoms are still present and there is no period of time that the patient has been symptom free. Another question to ask is whether the patient would benefit from a treatment called “watchful waiting.” For this type of treatment, your doctor may recommend leaving the tumour alone and monitoring it or checking with other doctors to see if they think it is getting worse.
- What Is The Long-Term Prognosis?
A patient who is being told by his/her oncologist that a tumour has grown or they are close to coming back into remission should ask them what the chances are for treatment success. If it is not 100%, then the patient needs to know that, and ask if this is a concern for having children, getting married or living their life as normally as possible.
While chemotherapy often shrinks tumours, it does not always make the cancer disappear. In some cases, even if the tumour is removed, chemotherapy may be required to prevent the tumour from returning. Therefore, a patient and family should learn this is not a cure, per se.
- Will My Medication Interfere with Everyday activities?
A cancer treatment in Gurgaon will probably tell a patient that their cancer treatment will last for weeks or months and they will have to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy or radiation before they are considered in remission from cancer.
A first visit to an oncologist can be an intimidating experience. If you’ve never met your doctor before, it’s crucial to prepare for the visit. Take your insurance card with you, medical records, and a list of your current medications and allergies.
You may also want to bring someone with you to help you with your notes. Finally, be sure to schedule plenty of time for your first visit. It’s important to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Oncologists are very thorough, and you may need several hours for lab work or other diagnostic tests.
Conclusion
Your oncologist will perform a thorough examination. He will review your medical history and ask you about your goals and fears. He’ll also assess your tests and scans to determine the best treatment options. He’ll discuss these with you and the rest of your medical team. If necessary, he may even start treatment on the same day as your consultation.
