How To Prepare For Your First Oncology Appointment

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and that first time you walk into your oncologist’s office is nerve-wrecking.

Knowing what questions to ask your oncologist is crucial for your treatment and peace of mind.

The most important thing you can do is to prepare a list of key questions to help ensure that you cover all necessary topics and all your pressing concerns during that first appointment.

If I had a dime for every time a patient answered ‘I had some questions but I can’t remember them now’, I would be a millionaire by now and vacationing in the Swiss mountains.

Bring a loved one to your meetings with your oncologist. They can help catch details you might miss.

Let’s take a deep dive into how you can best prepare for your first oncology appointment:

Preparing for Your Oncology Appointment

To make the most out of your oncology appointment, have a structured approach. Focus on understanding your diagnosis, formulating relevant questions, and reviewing your treatment options.

Formulate Questions in Advance

Preparing a list of questions ahead of your appointment ensures you cover all concerns. You don’t have to pull your list out immediately but definitely review your questions towards the end of the appointment and make sure to ask whatever has not been clarified.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
• Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
• Can you explain my diagnosis in more detail?
• Can I be cured of this cancer?
• What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend?
• What is the aim of this treatment? 
• What is the likelihood of the treatment being successful?
• How long will the treatment last, and how often will I receive it?
• How long will this treatment take to work?
• What are the potential side effects of the treatment, and how can they be managed?
• How will the treatment affect my daily life and activities?
• What should I do if I experience new or worsening symptoms?
• How can I reach you or another member of my healthcare team if I have questions or concerns outside of appointments?
• Can I hug or kiss my loved ones?
• Can I have sex while on treatment?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often?
• Are there any clinical trials available that may be suitable for me?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my overall health during and after treatment? (Further reading: Does Quitting Sugar Prevent Cancer?)
• What are the chances of the cancer recurring after treatment?
• Are there any support groups or resources available for me and my family?

Remember, every person’s cancer journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions specific to your situation. It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook or a loved one to help take notes during your appointment.

Check it out on Amazon

Pre-review Your Medical History

Bring comprehensive information about your medical history, including previous treatments, allergies, and family health history. Pack your insurance and ID cards, and prepare a list of all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

Having a detailed medical record allows your oncologist to better understand your health’s context and they will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. I sometimes start at a slightly lower dose of chemotherapy for patients who already have other medical issues or who are not coping very well to begin with.

During the Oncology Consultation

It can be scary and overwhelming during your first oncology consult. There is so much information that your oncologist needs to cover that by the end of it, your head can be reeling.

Having a support person with you (who can also function as an extra pair of ears) and a notebook will really help you remember more information from the appointment. Ask for written information so you can review it again later.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Understanding the specifics of your diagnosis can alleviate some anxiety and prepare you for informed conversations. Ask your oncologist for detailed explanations about the type and stage of your cancer. Inquire about how it was identified and confirm any technical terms you do not understand.

Never be afraid to ask more questions and admit that you don’t understand. Most oncologists are pretty good at explaining complex information in simple terms but some get ahead of themselves and speak to patients like they would at an international conference.

Clarify Treatment Options

Discuss your treatment options comprehensively with your oncologist. Ask about different modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Inquire about the goals of these treatments, whether it’s to cure, prolong life, or manage symptoms.

Understanding survival rates, side effects, and the overall treatment strategy is empowering. Remember, you have the most important role in your cancer treatment and you are your best advocate. Everyone else – your oncologist, the cancer nurse, your closest loved ones – all play a supporting role.

Discuss Potential Side Effects

You need to understand the potential side effects of the recommended treatments. Ask your oncologist to provide a detailed explanation of the short-term and long-term side effects. It’s vital that you know how these side effects might impact your daily life and overall well-being.

Identify what side effects are most common and which are rare but severe. Knowing the side effects will help you prepare and manage them effectively.

Let your oncology team know what’s important to you. For example, hair loss may be a significant issue for you but not for your treating them. They may be more worried about your blood counts being low. 

Further reading: Will I Lose My Hair with Chemotherapy?

Explore Clinical Trials

Clinical trials can offer access to new and innovative treatments. Ask your oncologist if there are any clinical trials suitable for your type and stage of cancer.

Inquire about the benefits and risks associated with these trials to make an informed decision.

Understand the eligibility criteria and what participation would entail. Discuss the potential outcomes and how the trial might compare to standard treatments.