What to Expect

Your Medical Oncologist – What to Expect.

  • Your doctor should explain your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options to you and your family.  Treatment options could include clinical trials and medical research.  Your doctor should present all treatment options available and help you and your loved ones work to find the best treatment plan.
  • As a Medical Oncologist, your doctor will assume the responsibility of managing your cancer care along with your other medical needs.  Remember your doctor should be the driving force behind you receiving the best care possible.
  • Your doctor should answer any questions and/or concerns you have in a factual but compassionate way.  You should feel comfortable with your choice of doctor and treatment plan.

Medical Oncology Consultation – What to Expect.

Before Your Visit

  • You or your referring physician will contact our office to set up a new patient consultation.
  • You will receive a packet of information by mail including paperwork to complete prior to your appointment.
  • Please bring your insurance card and make sure to notify us if your insurance changes.

Upon Arrival and Checkout

  • A new patient consultation will take approximately 30-60 minutes.
  • Your consultation will include a brief interview and examination. The physician will then discuss a treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Upon checkout, our staff will assist you in scheduling a follow-up appointment and any additional procedures or lab tests that are needed.

After Your Visit

If you have chosen chemotherapy as a treatment, you will be contacted by one of our specialized chemotherapy nurses to being the coordination of your care.

Chemotherapy – What to Expect

Before Your Visit

Your doctor will have reviewed all of your lab work prior to your appointment.  If there are any abnormal lab results, we will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

Upon Arrival

  • You will be introduced to our staff and taken on a guided tour of your treatment suite .
  • Your care team will gather general information such as vitals and weight.

Before Treatment Begins

  • A specialized nurse will explain your treatment recommendations as well as all medications you will be receiving.  It is suggested that you bring someone with you to help gather all of your treatment information.  
  • You will receive printed information related to your specific chemotherapy treatment and diagnosis, including interventions for side effects and physical changes to expect during therapy.
  • Before each treatment, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns regarding your treatment and/or care.
  • Patients are required to sign a medical consent form detailing associated risks, side effects, reactions or interactions.

During Treatment

  • A nurse will start an IV or access a port to begin your pre-medications.  These “pre-meds” will help to minimize some potential side effects.
  • Once your pre-meds are complete your chemotherapy will begin.
  • The length of time for treatment depends on your care plan.  We will let you know a potential time frame with each treatment.

After Treatment

  • You will receive a calendar detailing your next chemotherapy treatment and other appointments.
  • You will also be provided with contact information for after-hours and weekend care. Remember, there is always an Oncologist on call, though it may not be your specific physician.