Follow-Up After Treatment (Post-Treatment Review)
What to Bring, How to Prepare, and What to Expect
Follow-up visits help us monitor recovery, manage side effects, and check for any early signs that need attention after surgery / chemotherapy / radiotherapy / targeted or immunotherapy.
What to Bring (Checklist)
Your treatment file (most important)
- Treatment summary (if you have it)
- Surgery papers: discharge summary, operative note (if available), final histopathology/IHC reports
- Chemotherapy records: cycle dates, regimen name (if known), last cycle summary, any admissions during chemo
- Radiotherapy details: number of sessions, completion date, any radiation summary card/notes
- Any ongoing medicines list (photo of strips is fine)
Reports since last visit
- Recent blood tests (CBC, LFT/KFT etc. as advised)
- Any new scans (CT/MRI/PET-CT/USG) or reports
- Any reports from other doctors/hospitals (if consulted)
What you should note down before coming
- New symptoms (when started, how often, what makes it worse/better)
- Side-effects you are facing (pain, fatigue, appetite, sleep, bowel/bladder issues)
- Weight changes (if possible)
- Questions you want answered (write 5 points)
Practical
- Photo ID
- One attendant/family member (recommended)
Before You Come (How to Prepare)
- If the doctor has advised tests before follow-up, get them done 1–3 days prior (so reports are ready).
- Carry all reports in date order (newest on top).
- If you have diabetes/BP/thyroid medicines, take them as usual unless your doctor advised otherwise.
- If fasting tests are needed (like fasting sugar/lipids), follow the fasting instructions provided.
What to Expect in a Follow-Up Visit
-
Registration & vitals
Weight, BP, and basic checks. -
Symptom review
Doctor asks about recovery, side effects, appetite, sleep, pain, bowel/bladder habits, etc. -
Physical examination
Depending on cancer site: surgical area check, lymph node exam, mouth/throat exam, breast exam, abdomen exam, etc. -
Report review
Blood reports + scan reports + treatment documents are reviewed together. -
Plan for next steps
- Medicines adjusted (pain, acidity, nausea, supplements, etc.)
- Supportive care (nutrition, physiotherapy, speech/swallow therapy, stoma care, lymphedema care)
- Next tests (if needed) and next follow-up date is decided
-
Scheduling & guidance
The team helps with appointments, investigations, and any scheme/insurance paperwork if required.
Typical Follow-Up Timelines
(This varies by cancer type, stage, and treatment—your doctor will personalize it.)
- First follow-up after completing treatment: often 2–6 weeks
- Then commonly: every 3–6 months initially, and less frequent later if stable
Common Things Patients Ask in Follow-Up
- “Are these side effects normal, and when will they improve?”
- “Do I need any scan now or later?”
- “What diet and activity should I follow?”
- “When can I return to work/driving/exercise?”
- “What symptoms should not be ignored?”
- “When is my next review and which tests should be done before it?”
When to Contact Us Immediately / Come to Casualty
Do not wait if you have:
- Fever (especially after chemo)
- Severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting
- Uncontrolled vomiting/diarrhoea or dehydration
- Uncontrolled bleeding / black stools / blood in urine
- Sudden severe headache, weakness in arm/leg, confusion, seizures
- New rapidly increasing swelling/lump, severe pain, or wound/port site infection signs
- Severe burning urine or not passing urine
Disclaimer
Follow-up schedules and tests are individualized. The goal is early support and early detection of issues, please follow the plan shared by your treating team.
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