At most cancer clinics or treatment centers, your cancer care team will explain your treatment plan during one of your regular appointments or a special teaching session. During this visit or session, your doctor and other members of the cancer care team will sit down and talk through the treatment plan with you and your family or caregiver.
Full Answer
How do I plan and schedule cancer care and treatments?
To plan and schedule cancer care and treatments, a lot of information must first be collected. This information often needs to be shared with different specialists, as well as with patients and their caregivers, to help decide what treatment option is best. Once a treatment is decided on, care can be customized for a patient's situation.
Where do you go to see an oncologist after a cancer diagnosis?
The patient may have this care locally or at a hospital facility. The oncologist will work with the patient’s team. If you have a cancer diagnosis, it is important for you to visit the oncologist soon. Knowing more about the initial consultation will help you better prepare.
How do I decide to start therapy after a cancer diagnosis?
Although a cancer diagnosis might make you feel as if you have to make immediate decisions to begin therapy, in most situations you have time to make choices. Ask your doctor how much time you have to decide. Delaying your decision and spending time worrying about it can drain your energy, so don't draw out the process too long.
What can I expect at a radiation oncologist appointment?
Meeting with your radiation oncologist. The doctor will review your medical records, perform a physical exam, and recommend tests. You will also learn about the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy.
How are chemo treatments scheduled?
Most chemotherapy treatments are given in repeating cycles. The length of a cycle depends on the drug(s) you receive. Most cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks. The number of treatment doses scheduled within each cycle also depends on the prescribed chemotherapy.
How often do cancer patients have appointments?
In general, people return to the doctor for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that. At these visits, you may have a physical exam along with blood tests and other necessary tests and procedures.
How long does a cancer treatment session take?
Chemotherapy treatment varies in length and frequency and depends on the individual treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour.
What can I expect at a cancer consultation?
At the first appointment, the oncologist will talk about treatment options. The doctor will explain which ones are available, how effective they are and what the side effects may be. Then the oncologist will recommend a course and talk about when the treatments should take place.
What happens at an oncology appointment?
The appointment helps your cancer doctor or nurse notice any possible problems early. They may examine you and do some simple tests, such as taking a blood sample. They will usually ask questions about your recovery and any side effects or symptoms you have. It is very important to go to your appointments.
How long after cancer treatment are you considered cancer free?
Remission can be partial or complete. In a complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. If you remain in complete remission for 5 years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured. Still, some cancer cells can remain in your body for many years after treatment.
Do you need someone to drive you home after chemotherapy?
In most cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to get a ride home after your first session to see how you will tolerate the chemo. If you feel well the first time around, you may be advised that it's okay to drive home for future sessions.
How many times a week do you get chemo?
You can have chemotherapy once a week or for several days, then rest for several days or weeks. The breaks give the drugs time to do their job. Rest also gives your body time to heal so you can handle side effects like nausea, hair loss, or fatigue. Each set of doses is called a cycle.
What is a 21 day chemo cycle?
Your course of chemotherapy You usually have a course of several cycles of treatment over a few months. Each cycle of TC takes 21 days (3 weeks). On the first day of each cycle, you will have docetaxel and cyclophosphamide. You will then have no chemotherapy for the next 20 days.
How long does your first oncology appointment take?
Treatment lengths vary from patient to patient. Some treatments may last 30 minutes, while others may last as long as eight hours.
Do you see an oncologist before cancer diagnosis?
You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have the disease. Your primary care physician may carry out tests to determine if you might have cancer. If there are any signs of cancer, your doctor may recommend visiting an oncologist as soon as possible.
Does an oncologist do a physical exam?
A diagnosis of cancer can seem overwhelming. However, by preparing for your visit to your oncologist, you can make the process easier. You can expect to have a consultation which will include a physical exam. Keep reading to learn more about the process.
How to make a reasonable treatment decision?
To make a reasonable treatment decision, keep in mind the type of cancer you have, its stage, what treatment options are available and how likely these treatments are to work under these circumstances. Talk to your doctor about trustworthy websites, books and patient education materials to supplement your discussions.
How to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision?
Effective communication with your doctor is the best way to make sure you're getting the information you need to make an informed decision. To make communicating with your doctor easier, try to: Speak up when you don't understand. If you need further explanation or clarification, tell your doctor.
Can you cure cancer?
When you're first diagnosed, it's likely you'll be interested in treatments that cure cancer. When a cure is possible, you may be willing to endure more short-term side effects in return for the chance at a cure. Ask your doctor about your chances for a cure to help you understand more about your situation. Control.
How long do you have to wait for a cancer appointment?
Frequently, patients may have to wait only a few days for an appointment. However, one- to two-week waiting times are not unusual, particularly in the case of less urgent conditions. Please know that we will respond to your needs as efficiently as possible and expedite the appointment process to the best of our ability.
Can you see your doctor's records at Carle Cancer?
In order make an appointment, we may need to see records from your physician or the physician who diagnosed cancer. In accordance with federal guidelines, you must request that your physician send these records to you or to your physician at Carle Cancer Institute Normal.
Questions to Ask When Making Appointments
You will have many appointments throughout your cancer experience. Learning the basics about these appointments beforehand will help make sure you get the most out of each visit. It will also help reduce stress and anxiety. Consider asking the following questions when scheduling an appointment:
Questions to ask about getting to your appointment
Where is the office located? What is the building address? Which floor is the office on? What is the room or suite number?
Questions to ask about the appointment
What is the main purpose of this visit? Will I receive a physical exam or will we discuss test results and/or treatment options?
How soon after cancer diagnosis can you start treatment?
Most people want to start treatment right away. They worry that the extra time taken to do tests or make decisions will take up precious time that could be spent fighting the cancer. Cancer treatment should start very soon after diagnosis, but for most cancers, it won’t hurt to wait a few weeks to begin treatment.
How long does it take to find out if you have cancer?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to find out if it’s cancer and, if so, what kind of cancer. This is a difficult time for the patient as well as for loved ones who are aware of the possibility of cancer. Some notice that they think of worst-case scenarios and wonder if they’ll lose their loved one.
What is supportive care for cancer?
Sometimes called palliative care, supportive care helps keep people with cancer from having severe pain, nausea, or other symptoms. It’s care that aims to treat symptoms, not cancer. It helps the person feel as good as possible for as long as possible. The person who refuses cancer care may be open to hospice.
What happens when you have cancer?
When a person has cancer, they go through different stages. Your understanding and your care will change over time, too. There will be times when you don’t know what will happen next, and with an illness as serious as cancer, that’s a scary place to be. But there are no guarantees in cancer care.
How to stay healthy after cancer?
Remember to take care of yourself, as well as the person with cancer. Find ways to help yourself relax. Make time for regular exercise, and be as active as you can.
Can cancer treatment be short?
Treatment can be long or fairly short, but even short treatments tend to disrupt a person’s life for several weeks. As the caregiver, your life and your family’s lives may be disrupted, too. You may find that you need to take time off from work. See If You Are About to Become a Cancer Caregiver for more on this.
Can you blame yourself for cancer?
Be careful not to look at your loved one’s progress and good days as proof of your caregiving skills. If you do this, you’ll be more likely to blame yourself when they have bad days and set-backs. Uncertainties and highs and lows are part of dealing with cancer – no one, not even the best caregiver, can control them.
What happens when you meet with an oncologist?
When it is time for the patient to meet with the oncologist, the patient will tell the doctor their story. That way, the doctor can confirm the information that was collected by the patient coordinator. Any gaps will be filled in during this time.
What happens after an oncologist's initial consultation?
After the initial consultation, the oncologist will develop a plan for the patient. That can include scheduling the right type of therapy. The treatment will usually begin that same week. In some cases, it could happen on the same day as the consultation.
What does an oncologist look for in a cancer patient?
Many times, the patient will also have a physical exam. The oncologist will look at the cancer ous area. The extent of the exam will depend on the type of cancer. This will help to give the doctor a better idea of the disease.
What to expect at first visit with oncologist?
What to Expect at Your First Visit With an Oncologist After Cancer Diagnosis. A diagnosis of cancer can seem overwhelming. However, by preparing for your visit to your oncologist, you can make the process easier. You can expect to have a consultation which will include a physical exam. Keep reading to learn more about the process.
Why do oncologists fill gaps?
Any gaps will be filled in during this time. Another reason for this is that it helps the oncologist get to know the patient. The doctor will then learn more about the patient’s goals, concerns and hopes. This will help the doctor to create a better treatment plan for the patient.
What is skin cancer?
In oncology, skin cancer is known as one of the most common types of cancer in the U.S. This article provides answers to common questions that people often have about the disease.Like many cancers, skin cancer develops due to irrepressible multiplication of damaged cells. Skin cell damage is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV)…
Why does skin cancer develop?
This article provides answers to common questions that people often have about the disease.Like many cancers, skin cancer develops due to irrepressible multiplication of damaged cells. Skin cell damage is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV)….
How often do you go to the doctor after cancer treatment?
Your overall health, including possible treatment-related problems. In general, people return to the doctor for follow-up appointments every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that.
What are the programs that specialize in long term follow up care for cancer survivors?
Some cancer centers and hospitals have programs that specialize in long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors. Many NCI-Designated Cancer Centers and large community treatment centers offer some form of survivorship program or clinic for adults who have been treated for cancer.
What is follow up care plan?
A follow-up care plan is a summary of your treatment, along with recommendations for your cancer care after treatment ends. Your plan may also include suggestions to help meet other needs, such as emotional, social, or financial issues. Choose your doctor. For follow-up cancer care, you may see the same doctor who treated you for cancer, ...
Can you see the same doctor for cancer?
For follow-up cancer care, you may see the same doctor who treated you for cancer, or you may see another health care provider, such as one who specializes in follow-up care for cancer survivors. Or you may decide to go to your primary care doctor. You can discuss which doctor (s) to see with your health care team.
Can you share a test with one doctor?
Some research has shown that sometimes treatments or tests with one doctor aren't shared with the other doctor. Ask both your doctors to send clinic visit notes to each other so everyone can be on the same page. Follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors is very similar to the steps for adults.
Can cancer show up after treatment?
Some cancer treatments can cause problems that may not show up for months or years after treatment. These problems, called late effect s, are specific to certain types of treatments and the dose received. When you discuss follow-up care with your doctor, they should talk with you about which late effects to watch for.
How to get rid of cancer?
Take these healthy steps to keep your cancer at bay: 1 Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. 2 Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. 3 Stay at a healthy weight. 4 Skip alcohol, or drink only moderate amounts. 5 Exercise. 6 Try to manage stress, or join a cancer survivors support group.
How to go into remission from cancer?
Bone marrow or stem-cell therapy. You may need to combine two or more treatments to go into remission. You could have surgery to remove a tumor, then take medicine or radiation to kill cancer cells left behind. Every cancer treatment has risks and side effects.
How do you know if you are in remission?
How Do You Know You’re in Remission? Tests look for cancer cells in your blood. Scans like X-rays and MRIs show if your tumor is smaller or if it’s gone after surgery and isn’t growing back. To qualify as remission, your tumor either doesn’t grow back or stays the same size for a month after you finish treatments.
What does it mean when you are in complete remission?
A complete remission means no signs of the disease show up on any tests. That doesn’t mean your cancer is gone forever. You can still have cancer cells somewhere in your body. Regular checkups will help your doctor make sure the disease isn’t active again. When cancer does come back, it’s called recurrence.
What does it mean when you have no symptoms of cancer?
It means you have either little or no sign of cancer in your body. It doesn’t show up on X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests. Symptoms, like pain or fatigue, often ease up or stop. You may be able to stop your treatments once you get there. Many people take smaller doses to keep cancer at bay. You might need to keep taking meds for weeks, months, ...
How to keep cancer from coming back?
One way is called maintenance therapy . That means you take lower doses of cancer drugs or hormones to keep the disease from coming back. You’re still in remission, and these treatments help you stay there. Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Don’t smoke, or quit if you do.
How to keep cancer at bay?
Take these healthy steps to keep your cancer at bay: Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Stay at a healthy weight. Skip alcohol, or drink only moderate amounts. Exercise. Try to manage stress, or join a cancer survivors support group. Pagination.
How often should you check for radiation?
During your treatment, your radiation oncologist will check how well it is working. Typically, this will happen at least once a week. If needed, they may adjust your treatment plan.
What to expect when getting radiation therapy?
What to Expect When Having Radiation Therapy. It is normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
What type of doctor is responsible for radiation therapy?
Radiation oncologist. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. Radiation oncology nurse.
How long does radiation therapy last?
It is the most common radiation therapy treatment for cancer. Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body.
Why is it important to be in the same position for radiation?
It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy.
What is informed consent for radiation?
Giving permission for radiation therapy. If you choose to receive radiation therapy, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. Signing the document means: Your team gave you information about your treatment options. You choose to have radiation therapy.
How long does it take for radiation to go away?
The 2-day break in treatment each week allows your body some time to repair this damage. Some of the effects may not go away until the treatment period is completed. Let the health care professionals if you are experiencing side effects. Read more about the side effects of radiation therapy.
Information Needed When Requesting An Appointment
- When seeking treatment from a physician at Carle Cancer Institute Normal, callers should be prepared to provide the following information, which will be used to make appropriate appointments: 1. Patient name, address, phone number, date of birth and Social Security number 2. Patient insurance information, including policy ID number and group number...
to Make An Appointment
- Radiation Oncology Department
Shermian A. Woodhouse, M.D., M.P.H. Patrick Fernandes, M.D. (309) 451-2231 Main Number (309) 451-2299 Fax (309) 451-2231 Medical Records (309) 451-2231 Billing Offices 407 East Vernon Avenue Normal, Illinois 61761 - Comprehensive Breast Services
Breast Health Navigator (309) 451-2216 Office (309) 451-2299 Fax
Waiting Time For Appointments
- Because patients often are anxious about a cancer diagnosis, our staff will strive to arrange appointments with appropriate physicians quickly. Frequently, patients may have to wait only a few days for an appointment. However, one- to two-week waiting times are not unusual, particularly in the case of less urgent conditions. Please know that we will respond to your need…
Release of Medical Information
- In order make an appointment, we may need to see records from your physician or the physician who diagnosed cancer. In accordance with federal guidelines, you must request that your physician send these records to you or to your physician at Carle Cancer Institute Normal.