Hi shaky take something with you to eat and drink and read time can drag, my first appointment i was five hours late going in, if anyone gets ill all the rest have to wait, (it's understandable), you'll probably be OK for four or five days then you start feeling side effects, remember some people have no side effects. Before next kemo you can feel OK again, hope you don't have problems, best wishes... Billy
Hi shaky, i think you'll see oncologist first to explain things to you, i did and they showed me the scans, good luck on Monday, don't worry to much alot of times worst thing is the needle going in,
If it's your first appointment with an oncologist it's likely they'll start to discuss further scans (if you haven't been fully staged yet) and maybe give an idea of what they're thinking treatment-wise. They may also take the time to explain more to you about your type of cancer. What else they'll do really depends on what treatment they are considering, but they will usually be a little vague about treatment unless the staging of your cancer is complete.
If they can know already that you will be having chemotherapy then they may get a nurse to give you a tour of the chemo treatment bay, they may also discuss the type of chemo with you.
But often in your very first appointment they don't have enough information yet to do very much and it is really more the start of organising collating all the information they need to then set a treatment plan.
This stage can be really frustrating so be prepared for that. You can find yourself just wanting to start treatment so the cancer is being dealt with, while they want to do scan after scan and weeks go by with your cancer yet to be treated. It really can be annoying but it is critical that they have the full picture to pick the best line of treatment so it's worth it.
In time you might find you develop a 'go bag', well more an 'always with me rucksack', wouldn't harm you to start it now. Key items are a refillable drinks bottle (most hospitals have water fountains), a smart phone (for music, internet etc.) and a reading or video device (so Kindle/Tablet), any chargers for those devices, maybe a bag of sweeties, any medication you take on a daily basis. Appointments can be delayed last minute, as Billygoat said, because of emergencies in the treatment bay while your clinic is going on. Once your undergoing treatment you can find yourself having to go into hospital at quite short notice whether from home or from your work place. Frankly if you have a small rucksack that is always with you and that always has the essentials in it then even if you end up in A&E and get admitted for 36 hours (as happened to me recently) you have stuff to keep you entertained.
Hi huni tbay already know my cancer and the treatment plan they want. I have been told I will be having chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Have had all the scans. Laparoscopy is only one I haven't had xxx
Hi shaky, as twin two said, have a bag with some things in, hopefully you won't need it just be on safe side, i had a bad turn on cemo at home i was only wearing pajama bottoms when they put me in the ambulance, luckily granddaughter brought me some things to wear, i had no money no phone aright mess, hopefully you'll be OK but be on the safe side, x Billy
Good luck on Monday. The oncologist will go through treatment plan, side effects and go through any tests that may need to be done before you start treatment. I was told 2 to3 weeks for my 1st Chemo treatment.
