1st clinical oncologist appointment

Hi Kira, after I got my post op histology results came in, I was referred to a clinical oncologist. I was very anxious when I arrived for my appointment and was quite tearful. I was weighed and measured by a nurse. I was then shown into a room with my oncologist and one of my CNS nurses was there too. My oncologist then chatted through my treatment plan, explaining the treatments and possible side effects, gave me a chance to ask questions, and then asked me if I was happy to sign a consent form, which I did. She was very kind and reassuring, but also matter of fact and confident, which made me feel a lot better. She explained that the next step would be a planning CT scan, for which I’d receive an appointment, and that my radiotherapy treatment would start a few weeks after that. I asked her if I could express a preference for afternoon appointments (because of how far I live from the hospital), which she noted. She explained too that I’d be having my brachytherapy sessions before the end of my radiotherapy treatment. I left the appointment feeling much better than when I went in. 

Thanks Marmite Fan 

I had wondered if the first appointment was to talk everything through I wasn't sure if they automatically planned in a scan on the same day. I haven't seen anyone since my operation on 31 January, as I was told my results by surgeon over the phone. Thats why I wondered if there was a physical examination. Thanks for sharing your appointment,

Hi again Kira, I received my results at an in person appointment but had no examination other than a quick look at my incision wounds from my laparoscopic hysterectomy. I had no internal examination at my oncologist appointment- she said it wasn’t necessary and also that I may still be sore inside anyway. I got my results on 4/2/22, saw the oncologist a couple of weeks later, had my planning CT on 9/3/22 and my radio started on 12/4/22, The planning CT appointment took a couple of hours in all, so that’s why it would be at a separate appointment. Do you have your appointment date already or are you waiting for it to come through?

Hi Kira. I’m not sure if you mean your first follow up after being discharged after surgery, so apologies if I’m not understanding but if it is, after I had my total hysterectomy in October 2022 and post op histology showing no further treatment was necessary, my first follow up was in February. My oncologist talked through my recovery and did a quick internal examination of my vaginal cuff to make sure everything was as it should be. 

Hello Kira

My oncologist surgeon phoned me with my post op pathology results and explained that I would need some chemo and some external beam radiotherapy. My next appointment was with an oncologist who specialised in the chemotherapy. I was with her for around an hour while she talked through the treatment and possible side effects. She then checked my incisions from the hysterectomy. I had height and weight measured as this was needed to calculate dosage. I then had bloods taken. 

After chemotherapy was done I was then seen by a different oncologist who specialised in radiotherapy. This again was a consent appointment where she went through the treatment and possible side effects. It was about 2 weeks later that the radiotherapist phoned me and I was asked to come in for a planning CT scan. I had more bloods taken. 

Both times there was a cancer nurse specialist with me. I could have a friend with me and could ask any questions. 

Although I was anxious about the appointments before I went in I did find them reassuring.

Throughout both treatments I was seen weekly by my oncologist but my first examination was a month after I finished the radiotherapy. Some hospitals may be different.

Hope this helps. Good Luck for your appointment- I hope it goes well. 

Jane

Hi Kira, I saw my surgeon for a post op follow up about 2 weeks after my hysterectomy. She briefly explained the options for brachtherapy and chemo and asked if I wanted to see an oncologist to discuss possible treatment. I saw the oncologist about 2 weeks later. I didn't have any tests or examinations on the day, he simply explained what the PDR brachytherapy involved. I consented to the treatment which, in my case involved a 2 night hospital stay. PDR brachtherapy appears to be preferred treatment at the Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield although I don't think it's used much elsewhere.