Appointments

First consultation

This appointment is to discuss the reason why you were referred to us and will usually last about an hour. We encourage you to bring a family member or a friend with you as this can help you to relax, and recall the information in future discussion at home.

At the appointment, our oncologist will go over the details of your cancer, the treatments you have already received, and your current symptoms. You will be examined and your specialist will discuss the nature of your illness, possible treatment options, and make recommendations. Sometimes additional tests, X-rays, or scans are needed before we can finalise a course of action. In some cases, we may need to involve additional specialists or support services.

You may wish to take time to consider our recommendations and discuss them with your family before deciding whether to proceed. If the recommended treatment is chemotherapy, arrangements will be made for you to have an ‘orientation’.

Orientation

During this one-hour appointment, you and your family or support team meet with one of our oncology nurse specialists to discuss the practical details of your treatment. Your nurse will outline the proposed chemotherapy treatment plan including the specific drugs you will be given and additional drugs to prevent or manage the side effects.

At the orientation, you will be given written information about all of this and the various resources and support services available to help you. This session is another opportunity to identify your main concerns and to clarify any queries prior to starting treatment.

During treatment

Chemotherapy is usually given throughout the day on Mondays and Wednesdays. It may take 15 minutes to several hours depending on the particular treatment.

You will be treated at the same time and in the same area as a number of other patients. Most people find this very supportive, but you are also welcome to bring your own support person. On many occasions, you will also have an assessment with your oncologist on this visit.

At the end of the session you will be given forms for future blood tests and your next appointment. When your chemotherapy programme is complete, you will usually be given an appointment for our follow-up programme.

After treatment

You will usually need regular follow-up appointments to assess the effect of the treatment, the resolution of side effects and to address any concerns you may have. These appointments may continue for several years, but will be shared with your other specialists and GP. Your GP is vital to the coordination of our treatments with all your other medical needs.