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Caregiver Chronicles: Meeting the Oncologist
In this third instalment of the Caregiver Chronicles series, we’ll discuss an oncologist’s role during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. As discussed in the second blog (Caregiver Chronicles: Meeting the Urologist) you will typically see an oncologist after you see your GP and a urologist to discuss any signs and symptoms you have.
A urologist is a healthcare professional that specialises in conditions affecting the reproductive system and urinary tract. If you have spoken to a urologist, and have an appointment to see an oncologist, the likelihood is that cancer is suspected and you will need an operation to conduct a biopsy.
What is an oncologist?
Oncologists specialise in diagnosing and treating cancer. They work together with other medical professionals to lead your treatment and recovery plan.
There are 3 main types:
Medical Oncologist: Treats cancer using medications such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy.
Surgical Oncologist: Surgeons that perform operations to remove tumours or cancerous tissue. If a biopsy is needed to collect tissue samples, a surgical oncologist will perform the procedure.
Radiation Oncologist: Experts in using radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading.
Before you meet the oncologist
You will most probably have some scans and tests done before you meet the oncologist, so that they can better understand your case and discuss the results with you in detail.
This may include:
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Chest X-ray
Meeting the oncologist
Your oncologist will have the results from your scans and tests, and therefore they will develop a treatment plan for you. They will also talk about the type and stage of your cancer, which will also impact your treatment plan.
See more information on the Types and Stages of Testicular Cancer.
There will perhaps be a lot of complex medical terms thrown your way, but now is the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like. You may also be given some literature or online materials to read, should you have any questions after you leave the oncology department.
Useful questions to ask your oncologist
You should ask as many questions as you like! Your head will probably be spinning enough as it is, without being misinformed along the way. Don’t worry about sounding silly or being embarrassed either – your oncologist will have heard it all before!
Common questions that you could ask include:
- What does the stage and type of my cancer mean for me?
- Will I need to see other healthcare professionals?
- What are my treatment choices? Which is the most favourable and why?
- What risks or possible side effects can I expect?
- How long will it take me to recover from treatment?
- What are the chances I will become infertile? Should I bank sperm?
- What are the chances that my cancer will come back?
- Will I need any follow-up treatment?
- How soon after treatment can I have sex?
- Should I get a second opinion before I start treatment?
What happens next?
Your oncologist will put together a treatment plan that depends on and is influenced by the stage and type of tumour you have. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND).
Support from Baggy Trousers UK
The team here at Baggy Trousers UK are here to ensure you feel as though you have nothing to be afraid or embarrassed about. The vast majority of us have been through the journey ourselves. We are extremely proud of who we are and our fight back against cancer. You should be too! We have lots of information on our blog that may help, but please do get in touch if you need any additional support. Remember, you are not alone!
