What to Expect at My First Oncologist Visit?

Nicole, my first meeting with my oncologist was last week. Prepare to go over your full medical history. Also, I had researched questions I should ask and had them written down and ready to ask. However, the Dr. logically went through everything from diagnosis, stage, and treatment options. When he finished, he had answered the majority of my questions. But it was helpful to have them written down so I didn’t forget anything.

Thank you so much. I had know clue of what first visit was.

I wish I can help more, I met with with my oncologist after surgery, and after biopsy were done. My surgeon discussed my treatment first, I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 1. I chose double mastectomy, because I did this it eliminated radiation and chemo treatments. There was no sign of cancer in my lymph nodes. Oncologist said no further treatment was needed at this time.

Maya… did all go well post surgery?

I had a lot of pain, my surgeon said “you will feel knocked down, I’m not going to sugar coat it”. I’m glad she was honest, I had a lot of help with my husband and kids, I was not expecting to rely on them for my recovery. I used Tylenol and ibuprofen and CBD oral drops, my husband did research and it says the drops help with nerve pain. I also had pain due to reconstruction surgery, I have expanders in and that comes with pain. I am in my 5th week since surgery and I still feel very fatigued, still have limitations.

How soon were you up out of bed doing things or moving around other than post op dr visits?

How did your medical oncology visit go Nicole?

Maya how soon after surgery were you up moving and comfortably doing things again? Are your drain tubes still in? I’m having same surgery on may 1st

I got out of bed on my 3rd day and was walking around the house to get some movement in my legs. Again this is just my experience with pain and allowing myself to take naps and just rest. I had same day surgery, sent home the same day after a 7 hour surgery, I had to stay an extra 2 hours because I fainted while walking to wheel chair. My drain tubes were removed after 4 weeks, I only had 2. You have restrictions after surgery, but doing daily chores around the house I don’t begin doing those until my 3rd week. Your surgeon will explain it all, this is for your recovery and allowing your body to heal. The more rest the quicker your body can recover. After the tubes were removed I was back to restrictions for another week.

Mayo… thanks for info

Maya thank you for this information. In need of all the preparation mentally and physically for my upcoming surgery.

You are so welcome, I wish I knew about this support group before my surgery. But I found it after and I’m grateful for the support and reading everyone’s stories and experiences. This really helps me, I don’t feel alone.

Why is that is there a moderator? These are very good sound messages. What does that mean?

Mayo… thank you. Your reply was very helpful. Best to know ahead of time that the process might be lengthy. You explained well the necessary steps to be taken. Also humanized it with your personal experience. Also good to hear the support of your family throughout.❤️

Thank you Maya for the information and sharing

It's completely normal to feel uncertain before that first oncologist appointment, and many people in this community have felt the same way. Your oncologist will likely review your pathology results, discuss your specific situation, and explain potential treatment options while giving you plenty of time to ask questions. Remember that this is just the beginning of building a relationship with your care team, and it's perfectly okay to bring a list of questions or have someone come with you for support.