The first oncologist appointment can be scary. Typically, you are sent to the oncologist after some tests performed by another doctor shows something unusual. As you prepare for your appointment write down any questions you may have and make sure you bring someone with you to hear the answers and ask the questions if you get overwhelmed or sidetracked. Typical questions to consider when going through the process are:
Sometimes additional testing or scans are required, and follow-up appointments are scheduled. This initial evaluation always seems to take forever. Getting appointments take days, getting results takes days, follow-up appointments take days and days turn into weeks. As a patient you want all of the answers immediately and to get started on treatment.
Also, during the first appointment you should start determining if you trust and have confidence in the oncologist. With all of the decisions you are going to have to make and information you are going to get you need to have an oncologist you trust.
Once you have your first appointment and get your treatment plan you should consider getting a second opinion if you have any doubts about the path forward.
