An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating patients with cancer. If you are diagnosed with cancer or if your doctor believes that you may have cancer, you will be referred to an oncologist for testing and treatment.
Working with your oncologist is a crucial part of your cancer care, and it is essential to work with someone you trust for advice and someone you will be comfortable working with throughout your cancer journey. At Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene, cancer care is one of the core services of our practice. We have built our reputation on helping cancer patients develop long-term comprehensive care plans that serve their needs. Our assistance extends beyond medical care, offering our clients ongoing lifestyle and other support services over the course of their treatment and recovery.
We know that getting ready for your first visit with an oncologist can be intimidating. It is not just the doctor’s visit; it is the anxiety of wondering about how having cancer will affect your life and of not knowing what you may have to endure in the months ahead. Cancer is often a life-changing experience, so we want you to be comfortable on your first visit to our oncology center. Here are some things you can expect when visiting our clinic for the first time.
Meet Your Oncologist and Medical Team
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy to bear. Still, at Beacon Clinic, you will be surrounded by a team of compassionate, experienced, and dedicated care providers. On your first visit, you will meet with one of our oncologists. This first visit is an ideal opportunity for you to ask questions, not just about your cancer and how it will affect you, but about the different services you may need, the resources that Beacon can provide, and your treatment options. You will be able to discover the benefits and downsides of the various treatments available to you.
The doctor you work with will lead your care team at Beacon. You may also meet some of our other staff members who may be involved in your treatment, such as nurses and dietitians. Getting to know all the people helping you through this journey is an integral part of getting the best possible care.
During this first visit, you are sure to have a lot of questions. We will do our best to answer every one. Still, you will also find it hard to assimilate all the information you receive after this first visit. That is okay; you can call our clinic with questions or make follow-up appointments for clarification. It will take time for you to wrap your mind around all the new information and acclimate yourself to what you can expect in the months ahead.
Forging a Path Forward
When you leave, you will have many questions answered, but you will also be left with many questions only you can answer.
There are many different types of cancer. Every cancer is different, and every cancer patient is different. Cancer patients often undergo a steep learning curve as they try to understand what is happening in their bodies. There is also a lot of information to absorb about the different therapies that may be available. It will be up to you to make the final decision about what route you want to take, but we are here to provide you with up-to-date information, advice, and recommendations. You will never be pressured to pursue any particular therapy route.
Beacon Clinic works with many different hospitals and cancer centers. We also assist our clients in accessing clinical trials by various research facilities if we believe an ongoing study may benefit our patients. While we offer several cancer treatment options in-house, including oral chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation, we gladly refer our patients to other specialists for consultations to learn more about other potential treatments. We aim to be a support. As our name implies, we are there to be a beacon to our patients, helping them navigate their way through their cancer journey.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, contact Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene, ID, today to schedule a consultation. We welcome the opportunity to be your care partner during this phase of your life.
