Recent Diagnosis
If you’re reading this, you’ve received the difficult news that you might have cancer. Your doctor has referred you to Pacific Oncology to see a physician who treats cancer.
We understand some of the emotions you’re feeling right now, and we want you to know that our entire reason for existence is to face this challenge with you.
The next step is for you to make an appointment with a physician at one of our local offices --the sooner the better. Your first visit to Pacific Oncology is a great chance to get a feel for how we work and to connect with the physician who will orchestrate your treatment.
Pacific Oncology’s approach to cancer treatment is structured much like an orchestra. It’s all about teamwork under strong leadership. Your oncologist is essentially the conductor of a group of talented and highly-experienced individuals who are dedicated to fully identifying your disease and creating the best possible treatment program. While we take full advantage of today’s standard best practices, we also customize your program to suit your particular situation.
Your first visit to Pacific Oncology is an important step in the diagnostic process. As a cancer patient, you’ll sit down with one of our oncologists who will spend a lot of time asking you questions. The more we know about you, your current diagnosis, and other medical conditions, the better we’re able to tailor a program of treatment and/or follow-up that’s right for you.
From this meeting and other detailed medical records, Pacific Oncology will build a database of information to help steer your course of treatment. It’s a good idea to bring along a trusted family member or friend to these first meetings. It helps to have another set of ears in the room, and another voice to ask questions.
Next, your team may order additional tests to understand the stage of your cancer’s progression and to further identify the specific cancer cells. Once all of this has been narrowed down, your physician may point you toward additional information about your particular cancer and the treatment strategy. We want you to be an informed participant in the process, since knowledge is indeed power. Along the way we’ll make sure you understand exactly what we know, what will happen next, and why.
It’s easier to face life’s most difficult challenges as part of a team rather than as an individual. That’s one reason for our team-based approach to cancer treatment. It’s also why we encourage you to involve as many friends and family members in your diagnosis and treatment process as possible. We’d also be happy to recommend professionals who can help both you and your family deal with the physical and emotional challenges of facing cancer.
Comprehensive Care
Pacific Oncology has an experienced and qualified staff of over 125 people to support every aspect of your medical care.