Oncology appointment

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Hello everyone and I hope you are all ok Heart

I am post left mastectomy and have just got appointment through within oncologist.  I am scared what will happen at the appointment etc can anyone advise?

I am grade 2 / stage 2 with 1 lymph node positive (sentinel node biopsy). 

Thank you in advance.

  • Hi Jax007

    The oncologist will tell you what chemo drugs you will be having and will take you through the side effects of the treatments.  You will probably be weighed and have your height taken so that the oncologist will know what strength chemo to give you.  If you decide to have the cold cap to try to keep your hair that will be explained to you as well.  You may be sent for a heart check though that doesn't usually happen on the day you first meet your oncologist.  Have a list of question to ask your oncologist  I'm sending you a link to questions to ask your healthcare team: Questions to ask your healthcare team | Macmillan Cancer Support

    Wishing you the best of luck with your appoointment.

    Best wishes

    Daisy53

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  • Oh Daisy you are lovely. And thank you for your response.

    I will go through your attachment to read and make list of questions.

    I am worried that oncologist will give bad news. 

  • It’s usually a 2 appointment process. The first appointment takes you through their recommendation. There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions, and if there is anything they can’t answer, they will follow up for you. You will be given information sheets on any drugs they propose. As Daisy says you may have an ECG, depending on the chemo type, and will be weighed. At the second appointment, probably a week later, they seek your consent to treatment. 

    You may be given the opportunity to attend a session with a nurse and possibly an opportunity to visit the oncology day unit. You might also need to have a line fitted in advance of chemo. Most centres automatically offer a PICC line, which has to be kept dry and requires frequent flushing and dressing. I knew that would be an issue for me, and requested a portocath at my first appointment. It was fitted the day before I started chemo. 

  • Hi Wave Coddfish and thank you so much for your reply. I feel little more reassured now. Heart