What to expect at your first cancer appointment.
Clinics can take place anywhere in the hospital or in the oncology/haematology department.
When you arrive at your clinic, please report to the reception desk, where your personal details will be checked and your arrival recorded on the computer.
You will be asked to confirm some details and the team may also look on the computer to see if you need a blood test as part of the appointment. If you do, you will be asked to take a numbered ticket and watch the screen for your number to appear.
Please let reception know if you are visually impaired so they can help.
When your number appears, go to the phlebotomy room, and reception will direct you. After having your blood test, you will be directed to where your weight, and sometimes your height, is measured. This is recorded within your electronic health records.
Once all this has been done you will be asked to sit in the waiting area and from here you will be called to see the doctor.
Suggested things to bring
- A friend of family member
- A list of your current medications
- Any questions you have
- A pen and note pad
- Prescription exemption certificate, if you have one
- Something to read or do in case of long waiting time
Your consultation
At your consultation, it might be difficult to remember all of the information that you discuss.
It might be useful to bring paper and a pen to make notes. This can assist your memory. You can also prepare specific questions before your consultation.
The doctor may talk about particular types of treatment. If you would like more information, please ask the person you are seeing to provide you with written information or the details of other resources.
You might feel that you need time to think before making a decision, in this case, please ask.
It is common for the doctor to perform a physical examination during your consultation. You may be asked to lie on an examination couch for this. A chaperone will be in attendance during physical examinations.
You will be informed of the time and location of your next appointment. If you use MyChart, you can access your appointment schedules through the website or app.
Within most of our clinics there is a clinical specialist nurse or radiographer that specialises in the cancer site you are being seen for.
At your first appointment, you should be given their name and contact details. This person will be your key worker during your treatment.