first meeting w/oncologist--?

[w4lucy]

Just curious if ya'll could give us a head's up on what to expect at our first meeting with the oncologist tomorrow. DH had a non-seminomatous mass so I know he'll be discussing chemo w/us most likely. Anything in partiular we should ask or expect or not expect?

[Scott]

Your oncologist should explain 1) what the pathology report and imaging and blood tests mean and 2) what the treatment options are, which may include surveillance, surgery to remove the retroperitoneal lymph nodes (RPLND), or chemotherapy. There are several lists of questions for the doctor at this TCRC page to give you more details about what to ask.

[w4lucy]

Thank you SO much for that link--I didn't even know where to begin in what questions to ask, so I really appreciate that.

[dadmo]

Make sure both you and your husband bring a pencil and paper. Your heads are going to spin when the doc starts talking and it will be important to write everthing down so you don't get too confused as to what was said.

[w4lucy]

Yea, my head is pretty much still spinning (see other post.) It was so much information and so quick. I didn't quite jive with the dr.'s personality, though he seems to know what he's talking about...I just wish I knew what he was talking about!!

[w4lucy]

I had actually thought about that but quickly dismissed it since I figured we weren't allowed to bring one. I'll definitely bring one in to the next appt and ask the dr. though--maybe I could replay it in slow motion or something! He was spitting out so much information out and so quickly...