Your first visit to the oncology clinic

We understand that this can be a very emotional time and coming to a busy department can be a little daunting particularly as you may already be feeling anxious about your appointment. We hope this leaflet will alleviate some of that anxiety by outlining what will happen at your first appointment.

Many people find it helpful to have a friend or family member with them at this appointment and writing down any questions you may have before can be useful.

Your consultation

On arrival a health care assistant will gather some information about you such as, height and weight. After your consultation we will organise any bloods tests that are required. This information helps to get a picture of your general health and allows us to accurately prescribe treatment.

You will be seen by an oncologist (a specialist cancer doctor) and an oncology nurse. The appointment will last around one hour. The doctor will ask about your past medical history, family history, general health, and any medications you are currently taking. They will also discuss how your symptoms first presented.

The doctor will explain the results of any scans, biopsies or surgery you may have had and answer any questions you have. The doctor will then discuss and agree the plan for any further treatment.

After your consultation the doctor will write to you and your GP detailing the information discussed and a treatment plan.

Medications

It is important that we know about any medications you are taking, it is helpful to bring the prescription list from your GP if you have one.

Treatment plan

Most women will be offered chemotherapy as the first or next step in their treatment. This may be either one or two different medications and this will be discussed with you. The treatment will be planned as six cycles with each cycle lasting 21 days.

Other alternative treatments may also be discussed.

What happens next?

At the end of the consultation most patients have agreed a treatment plan. In the next 1 to 2 weeks a telephone appointment will be made for you to discuss any further questions prior to starting treatment. Occasionally more information may be required before a definite plan can be made such as further investigations or you may feel you need more time to make a decision.

If you have further questions or concerns you can contact our cancer nurse specialists on 01223 256828.

Psychological support

Being diagnosed with a cancer and starting treatment can be a time of anxiety and uncertainty. Please speak to the team if you have any concerns relating to this. We also have Maggie’s centre on-site and they are able to offer support and advice, alternatively you can contact the Macmillan Information Service, on level 2, or talk to the Macmillan navigator, who will help signpost you to the available support options.

Research trials and studies

We are often able to offer patients the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, this possibility will be discussed with you at your appointment. There is no obligation to enrol in a trial, the decision is yours and entirely voluntary. Not all patients will be eligible to be included in a research trial.

Currently there is a research study to try to find better ways of diagnosing and monitoring ovarian cancer. This study uses tissue taken at biopsy or surgery and extra samples of blood taken at the time of routine blood samples.

We also hope the research will lead to better treatments for patients in the future. Again, there is no obligation to participate in research.

Privacy and dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and / or specialist one to one care is required.