Patient Care

Learn about the pre consultation process, time taken so that you can schedule accordingly. The first thing the oncologist will ask about is your medical history. When you get into the doctor’s office, it’s very easy to forget when things happened, so it’s helpful to write down your history to remember the timeline of events. Keep notes about your symptoms and what made you go to your doctor in the first place. What tests did your doctor order? Were you referred to additional specialists? Have you previously been treated for cancer? In order to make it a thorough consultation, the oncologist you’re meeting with should have all your reports and other requested materials. This includes copies of scans, x-rays, MRIs, CTs, or other imaging tests that were done, and pathology slides and blocks if a biopsy was performed. It is always advisable to file them properly. Some hospitals have the practice of making their files. Please allow them to do so.It’s good to be upfront with your doctor and let him/her know about your other medical conditions, previous surgeries, other cancers and treatment, prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Don’t assume “it’s all there in the record.” Make a list and bring it with you. You may not realize it, but how well you’re handling your diabetes may impact on how well your chemotherapy works on your breast cancer or how well your radiation works on your prostate cancer.

• Bring a list of any drugs you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Be sure to include vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
• Organize copies of your information in a loose-leaf binder with pockets. It will become a handy reference kit. Include a written list of questions about your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Photo ID
• Insurance and Medicare cards, along with pre-certification and other documentation required by insurers

Hospitals cannot be responsible for patients’ personal belongings. Generally, they recommend against bringing valuables. Specific things to leave off the packing list:

• Cell phones. In most cases, these are not permitted in patient care areas as they can interfere with heart monitors and other patient monitoring equipment
• Tobacco products, because smoking is prohibited in health care facilities
• Jewellery & high-end valuables

The main intent for genetic counselling is to escalate the process of finding out disorders which are genetic in nature. Once one gets to know them, understanding them becomes easier. The sessions of counselling begin from this very point and are used to explain to the patient, the various management procedures for nullifying the disease. A genetic counselling session not only educates the patient of the origin of the disease but also explains the risk and the potential positive outcomes of all medical tests. The benefits of genetic counselling are:

• Individualized and comprehensive counselling from cancer genetics experts, including medical oncologists trained in cancer genetics, Practiced nurses and board-certified genetic counsellors and social workers.
• Potential for discovering an increased risk of cancer.
• Opportunity to learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing.
• Option to undergo genetic testing, if appropriate.
• Patients and their families can learn how to decrease their risk for developing cancer (screening or medical and surgical approaches).