Advice for Newbie

Options
amyd1
amyd1 Member Posts: 6
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Dear All,

I am new to this board. Drs. found a tumor on my father's colon which they think is cancer. They did all the tests and we are meeting with them to get the results and treatment plan tomorrow. Any advice on questions I need to make sure I get answered at this appointment?

Thank you in advance and my prayers are with you all,
Amy

Comments

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #2
    Options
    Dear Amy
    Sorry you find a need to be here but you have come to the right place for good info and support.

    There are probably lots of questions that will need answering, but my best suggestions to you are to be sure to take notes (either written or recorded) as to what takes place at the appointment and find out how best to contact the doctor after the appointment with any questions you might have. Some docs will do e-mail which is probably one of the better choices, as it allows for easy record keeping. If wants contact by phone, be sure to keep record of your call and the answers you get.

    The need for record keeping is so that you can review the info you get later. Doc appointments are tough for remembering the details.

    Next, it is important that you and your father are comfortable with your doctor. That means that he listens and answers your questions and will discuss options. You don't need statistics or to ask "how long does he have" as neither will be a good answer, because each of us is an individual and there are many here who have proved the stats and doc predictions wrong.

    Once the appointment is over and you have more info from the doc, come back and let us know. At that point I feel certain we can have more input.

    Praying that all goes as good as it can with the appointment.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #3
    Options
    Appointment
    Sorry for your dad's diagnosis. The questions probably will depend on the information given to you by the doctor. There are surgeries, treatments, testing, etc. that your doctor will probably go over with you once they determine what the tumor is. Take lots of notes and you can come back here and ask away or give us some details and we can help you from there. Praying that it isn't cancer, but if it is you've come to a very knowledgeable and caring place. Let us know how it goes.

    Kim
  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    #4
    Options
    My only other addition is:
    My only other addition is: Ask what type of cancer and how many have you treated of this? How often does this type of cancer occur?

    Initially I spoke to three oncologists. The second one said I have never treated this type of cancer and it is not that big of deal. (I would not be here if I had listened to her.) Two of the oncologists said they had interned under Dr. Rosen at St. Johns. My wife researched St. johns and asked if I could get an appointment with Dr. Rosen. One Week later, and St. John's it is. Why get the student when one can get the master?

    Sending Prayers and thoughts your way!
    Best Always, mike
  • wmcbane
    wmcbane Member Posts: 33
    #5
    Options
    Timeline
    One other thought...I wish I had gotten a better idea of treatment timeline at the beginning. For some reason I thought it would be about three months, but I was stage iv, needed surgeries, etc and it ended up being full year. while it's unpredictable, some typical estimates of how long different steps take would have helped with planning & expectations.

    Also would agree with others re making sure you've got right doc / facility for you. Consider consult at NCI center if you're not at one.

    Good luck to you.
  • wmcbane
    wmcbane Member Posts: 33
    #6
    Options
    Timeline
    One other thought...I wish I had gotten a better idea of treatment timeline at the beginning. For some reason I thought it would be about three months, but I was stage iv, needed surgeries, etc and it ended up being full year. while it's unpredictable, some typical estimates of how long different steps take would have helped with planning & expectations.

    Also would agree with others re making sure you've got right doc / facility for you. Consider consult at NCI center if you're not at one.

    Good luck to you.

Discussion Boards