In preparation for your first appointment, please bring the following:
Medical Records
Having accurate medical records is critical to your care. We will
want to know your medical history and what treatments you have had
to date. Prior to your appointment, Peninsula Cancer Center can
obtain all of the necessary medical information for you including medical
records, imaging and pathology reports. We will request this information
from your referring provider. If you bring the information on
the day of your visit, please allow more time at this visit so
we can review your records before your appointment.
Medications | Vitamins | Supplements
Please also bring a list of current medications, vitamins and supplements
with dosages. Or, you may bring all of your medications with you
to your first appointment.
Insurance and Other Forms
On our website, you will find a list of forms needed for your initial
visit to fill out and complete before your appointment. You may
complete them at the clinic on the day of your first visit. We
will also need a copy of your driver’s license and insurance identification
card.
Bring a Friend and Notebook
Many patients find it helpful to start a notebook so they can write
down their questions and document the responses or record the visit.
We also encourage you to bring a family member or friend to your appointment. As
the old saying goes: “Two ears are better than one.” During
this time in your life, you will likely feel overwhelmed and it’s important
you know that it’s okay to ask others for help.
What to Expect at your First Appointment
You will meet with one of our nurses to review your medical history
and medications. Next, you will meet with Dr. Berit Madsen, Dr. R. Alex Hsi or Dr. Heath Foxlee, who will talk with you about your cancer diagnosis
and the role that radiation therapy may have in your treatment. The
physician may also perform a physical exam.
Often, when patients are scheduled to meet with a radiation oncologist for the first time, they are under the impression that they are starting treatment the very same day. There is much to be done in getting a patient ready for radiation therapy. Some of this may involve collaboration with other physicians as radiation therapy may be just one of the methods used to treat your cancer.
If it’s agreed that radiation therapy is the right treatment for you, we will work with your schedule to start the treatment-planning process. The process can usually start in a day or so of your initial appointment with the radiation oncologist. We refer to the first treatment-planning appointment as your “simulation.” The oncologist will map out the area to be treated, which takes about an hour. When the simulation is finished, we can create a treatment schedule that fits your needs.
In general, once radiation treatments begin, you will be treated daily, Monday through Friday, for a series of weeks. Most treatments take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. After you meet the radiation oncologist, you will know how many weeks it will take to deliver your treatments.