What to Expect During Your First Colorectal Cancer Appointment

Being diagnosed with colorectal cancer can feel overwhelming. You likely have countless questions running through your mind: What happens next? What kind of treatment will I need? How will this affect my life? If you’re feeling anxious about your first oncology appointment, you’re not alone—these feelings are completely normal.

At SERO, we understand that this initial appointment is a significant step in your cancer journey. Our team of board-certified radiation oncologists is here to guide you through every phase of treatment with expert care and genuine compassion. This guide will help you understand what to expect during your first colorectal cancer appointment and how to prepare, so you can feel more confident and informed as you take this important step.

Before Your Appointment: How to Prepare

Preparation is key to making the most of your first appointment. Taking time to gather information and organize your thoughts beforehand will help you feel more in control and ensure you get the answers you need.

What to Bring With You

Medical Records and Test Results

Your radiation oncologist will need a complete picture of your diagnosis to develop the best treatment plan. Bring copies of:

• Your colonoscopy report and pathology results from any biopsies
• All imaging studies, including CT scans, MRI, or PET scans (bring the actual images on CD if possible, not just the reports)
• Recent lab work and blood test results
• Any previous cancer treatment records
• Operative reports if you’ve had surgery

Personal Health Information

Create a comprehensive list that includes:

• All current medications with exact dosages (taking photos of your medication bottles is a helpful shortcut)
• Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take regularly
• Any drug allergies or adverse reactions you’ve experienced
• Your complete medical history, including past surgeries and chronic conditions
• Family history of cancer, particularly colorectal, breast, ovarian, or other cancers that may run in your family

Your Questions and Concerns

Write down everything you want to ask your doctor. No question is too simple or too complicated. Keep a running list as questions come to mind in the days leading up to your appointment, and prioritize the most important ones at the top. We’ve included a comprehensive list of questions at the end of this article to help you get started.

Bring a notebook or tablet to take notes during your appointment. Many patients also find it helpful to ask if they can record the conversation on their phone—this can be invaluable when reviewing complex information later.

Bring a Support Person

We strongly encourage you to bring a trusted friend or family member to your first appointment. This person can provide emotional support, help you remember important information, take notes, and ask questions you might not think of in the moment. Having someone with you can make a world of difference, especially when you’re processing difficult or overwhelming news.

Choose someone who can stay calm under pressure and who will advocate for your needs. Let them know ahead of time that their role is to support you, listen carefully, and help you remember key details from the appointment.

Plan for Your Visit

Your first appointment at SERO will likely take between one and three hours. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete registration paperwork and verify your insurance information. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and consider bringing water and a light snack.

If you’re visiting one of our Charlotte metro area locations, check the specific address and parking instructions beforehand. Allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hour. We have more than 20 convenient locations across the Charlotte area to make accessing expert care as easy as possible.

Who You’ll Meet: Your SERO Care Team

One of the unique strengths of SERO is our comprehensive, team-based approach to cancer care. You’ll work with several dedicated professionals who each play a vital role in your treatment and recovery.

Your Radiation Oncologist

Your radiation oncologist is a board-certified physician who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. SERO is home to more than 30 radiation oncologists who graduated from some of the country’s most prestigious medical schools, including Emory University School of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, and Duke University School of Medicine.

Your radiation oncologist will review your diagnosis, explain how radiation therapy fits into your overall treatment plan, discuss potential side effects, and answer your questions. They will work closely with your surgical oncologist and medical oncologist to ensure you receive coordinated, comprehensive care.

Oncology Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Often, you’ll first meet with a nurse practitioner or oncology nurse who will conduct an initial health assessment, review your medical history, and perform a physical examination. These skilled professionals are an essential part of your care team and often serve as your primary point of contact throughout treatment.

Your oncology nurses will help manage treatment side effects, answer day-to-day questions, and provide guidance on nutrition, symptom management, and quality of life during treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any concerns—they’re here to support you every step of the way.

Medical Physicists and Dosimetrists

While you may not interact directly with these team members during your first appointment, they play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in your care. Medical physicists and dosimetrists work together to plan your radiation treatments with incredible precision, ensuring that radiation targets cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.

Radiation Therapists

Once your treatment plan is finalized, radiation therapists will be the team members you see most often. They operate the radiation therapy equipment and deliver your daily treatments, monitoring you carefully throughout each session.

Support Services Team

SERO provides access to social workers, nutritionists, and patient navigators who can help you coordinate care, connect with support groups, address financial concerns, and access community resources. These professionals are available to help you and your family navigate the practical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

During Your First Appointment: Step by Step

Understanding what will happen during your visit can help ease anxiety and allow you to focus on the information being shared.

Registration and Paperwork

When you arrive at SERO, you’ll check in at the registration desk. Plan for this process to take 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll complete or review several forms, including:

• Privacy notices and consent forms
• Insurance verification paperwork
• Patient identification information
• Medical history questionnaires

If you have questions about insurance coverage or financial matters, this is a good time to ask about speaking with a financial counselor.

Comprehensive Health Assessment

Your healthcare team will conduct a thorough review of your medical history and current health status. This conversation is essential for developing a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Medical History Discussion

Be prepared to discuss:

• Details of your colorectal cancer diagnosis, including when and how it was discovered
• The location and stage of your tumor
• Any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss
• Your general health and any other medical conditions you’re managing
• Your lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, smoking history, and alcohol use

This is the time to be completely honest with your doctor. Information about smoking, alcohol use, and other lifestyle factors isn’t meant to judge you—it helps your care team understand how to optimize your treatment and anticipate potential challenges.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will perform a physical exam, which may include an examination of your abdomen and rectal area. This helps them assess your overall health and understand your cancer more completely. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, communicate this to your care team.

Review of Diagnostic Tests

Your radiation oncologist will carefully review all of your test results, including:

• Pathology reports that show the type and characteristics of your cancer cells
• Imaging studies that reveal the size and location of the tumor
• Lab results that provide information about your overall health
• Any additional tests that help determine the stage of your cancer

They’ll explain what these results mean in terms you can understand, and they’ll answer any questions you have about your diagnosis.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Your doctor will explain the specifics of your colorectal cancer, including whether it’s colon cancer or rectal cancer (the location matters for treatment planning), the stage of your cancer, and what that means for your prognosis.

Cancer staging describes how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread beyond its original location. Your doctor will explain your stage and what it means in clear, straightforward terms. If you want to know survival statistics and prognostic information, your doctor can share that with you. However, if you’d rather focus on your individual treatment plan, let them know—everyone processes information differently, and there’s no right or wrong approach.

Your Treatment Plan Discussion

For many colorectal cancer patients, treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist will explain how radiation fits into your comprehensive treatment plan.

When Radiation Therapy Is Recommended

Radiation therapy may be recommended:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink rectal tumors and make them easier to remove
• After surgery (adjuvant therapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells
• In combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance treatment effectiveness
• For advanced cancer to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life (palliative care)

Rectal cancer patients are more likely to need radiation therapy than colon cancer patients due to the anatomy and location of rectal tumors. Your doctor will explain why radiation is being recommended for your specific situation.

Types of Radiation Therapy

SERO offers several advanced radiation therapy techniques:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): The most common type, delivering focused radiation from outside the body
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Highly precise radiation that carefully targets tumors while protecting nearby healthy tissue
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Delivers higher doses in fewer treatments for select patients

Your radiation oncologist will recommend the approach that’s best for your individual case.

Treatment Timeline and Schedule

Typical radiation therapy for colorectal cancer may involve daily treatments, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. The exact duration depends on your treatment goals and whether you’re receiving radiation before or after surgery. Each treatment session usually takes only 15 to 30 minutes, though your first few appointments may be longer as the team ensures everything is perfectly positioned.

Potential Side Effects

Your doctor will discuss potential side effects honestly and thoroughly. Common side effects of radiation therapy for colorectal cancer may include:

• Fatigue
• Skin irritation in the treatment area
• Diarrhea or changes in bowel habits
• Bladder irritation
• Nausea

Most side effects are temporary and manageable with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Your care team will work closely with you to minimize discomfort and maintain your quality of life throughout treatment.

Coordination with Your Other Specialists

One of the most important aspects of your care is coordination between your various specialists. Your SERO radiation oncologist will work closely with your surgical oncologist (colorectal surgeon) and medical oncologist (who manages chemotherapy) to ensure all aspects of your treatment work together seamlessly.

SERO partners with major hospitals and cancer treatment centers across the Charlotte metro area, including Carolinas Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian, and CaroMont Health. This partnership approach means your care team communicates regularly, shares information efficiently, and makes decisions together about your treatment plan.

Time for Your Questions

Your doctor will invite you to ask questions and express any concerns you have. Don’t worry about taking too much time or asking something you think might sound silly—your care team is here to provide you with all the information you need to feel comfortable with your treatment plan.

If you don’t understand something, ask them to explain it again or in a different way. If you need time to process information before making a decision, let them know. This is your care, and you have the right to fully understand every aspect of it.

After Your First Appointment: Next Steps

Before you leave your first appointment, you’ll have a clear understanding of what comes next in your treatment journey.

Simulation and Treatment Planning

If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you’ll schedule a CT simulation appointment. During this appointment, which typically takes about an hour, the radiation therapy team will:

• Take detailed CT scans of the treatment area
• Create custom positioning devices to ensure you’re in exactly the same position for each treatment
• Mark your skin with small, temporary tattoos (tiny dots) to help with precise positioning
• Take measurements and images that will be used to plan your treatment

After your simulation, your medical physicist and dosimetrist will spend about one to two weeks developing your personalized treatment plan. Your radiation oncologist will review and approve this plan before your first treatment begins.

Additional Testing or Consultations

Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may recommend:

• Additional imaging studies
• Consultations with other specialists, such as a nutritionist or genetic counselor
• Participation in a clinical trial (if you’re eligible and interested)
• Fertility counseling if preserving fertility is a concern

Financial and Insurance Matters

SERO accepts most major insurance providers. Before you leave, you may want to speak with our financial counseling staff to understand your coverage, any out-of-pocket costs you might face, and payment plan options if needed. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from asking questions—we’re here to help you access the care you need.

Building Your Support System

Cancer treatment isn’t something you should face alone. Consider:

• Connecting with colorectal cancer support groups in the Charlotte area
• Talking with family and friends about how they can help
• Accessing mental health support through counseling or therapy
• Arranging practical help with daily tasks like cooking, childcare, or transportation

SERO’s patient support team can connect you with resources and support services to help you through treatment and beyond.

Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Bringing a list of questions to your first appointment ensures you get the information you need. Here are key questions to consider:

About Your Diagnosis

• What type and stage of colorectal cancer do I have?
• Is this colon cancer or rectal cancer, and does that affect my treatment?
• Has the cancer spread to lymph nodes or other areas of my body?
• What does my pathology report tell us about my cancer?
• Do I need additional tests before we can begin treatment?

About Your Treatment

• What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend?
• Why is radiation therapy recommended for my case?
• What is the timeline for starting treatment?
• Will my treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination?
• What is the goal of my treatment—to cure the cancer, prevent it from returning, or manage symptoms?
• How long will my treatment last, and how often will I need to come in?
• Should I get a second opinion, and can you help me arrange one?

About Living with Treatment

• What are the potential side effects of the recommended treatment?
• How will treatment affect my daily life and ability to work?
• Will I need a colostomy bag, and will it be permanent?
• Do I need to change my diet during treatment?
• Can I exercise during radiation treatments?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• What symptoms should prompt me to call you right away?

About Support and Follow-Up

• What support services are available for me and my family?
• Will I need to see other medical specialists as part of treatment?
• Do my siblings or children have an increased risk of colorectal cancer?
• What happens after treatment ends?
• How often will I need follow-up appointments?
• Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns between appointments?

About Financial and Practical Matters

• Will my insurance cover this treatment?
• What are the potential out-of-pocket costs?
• Are there clinical trials I should consider?
• Do you have resources to help with transportation or other practical needs?

Tips for Making the Most of Your Appointment

Take Good Notes

Consider creating a dedicated cancer care notebook or digital file where you keep all your information in one place. Record:

• Dates of all appointments and what was discussed
• Names and contact information for each member of your care team
• Medications and dosages
• Test results and what they mean
• Side effects you experience
• Questions that come up between visits

Having everything documented and organized will help you stay on top of your care and communicate more effectively with your medical team.

Be Honest and Open

Share complete and accurate information with your care team, even if it feels uncomfortable. Information about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, concerns, and fears helps your doctors provide better, more personalized care. Your medical team is not here to judge you—they’re here to help you get well.

Ask for Clarification

If you don’t understand something your doctor says, ask them to explain it in simpler terms. Medical terminology can be confusing, and it’s completely normal to need concepts explained multiple times or in different ways. Your care team expects this and is happy to help you understand.

Give Yourself Grace

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, or any other emotion during this time. It’s okay to cry during your appointment. It’s okay to ask for a moment to process difficult news. This is a challenging time, and there’s no “right” way to handle it.

Follow Up Promptly

After your appointment, review your notes while the information is still fresh. Share key points with your support person or family members. If questions arise after you’ve left, don’t hesitate to call your care team. That’s what they’re there for.

What Makes SERO Different

At SERO, we’ve been serving the Charlotte community with expert, compassionate cancer care for years. What sets us apart is our combination of cutting-edge medical expertise and genuine commitment to patient-centered care.

Our team of more than 30 board-certified radiation oncologists brings together experience from the nation’s top medical institutions. We offer the latest radiation therapy technology and techniques, delivered at more than 20 convenient locations throughout the Charlotte metro area.

But expertise is only part of what we offer. At SERO, you’ll find a calming, supportive environment where you’re treated as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. We take time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and involve you in every decision about your care.

Our partnerships with major hospitals and cancer treatment centers mean you have access to comprehensive resources while receiving the specialized, focused care that comes from working with radiation oncology experts. We coordinate closely with your surgical and medical oncologists to ensure every aspect of your treatment works together for the best possible outcome.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Your first colorectal cancer appointment is an important milestone—it’s the moment when you move from diagnosis to action, from uncertainty to having a plan. While the journey ahead may seem daunting, remember that you’re not walking it alone.

At SERO, our entire team is committed to supporting you through every phase of treatment and recovery. We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide the expert care you need with the compassion you deserve.

If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are looking for expert radiation oncology care in the Charlotte area, we encourage you to contact SERO to schedule a consultation. We have convenient locations throughout the Charlotte metro area, and we’re ready to help you take this important next step.

For more information about colorectal cancer treatment or to find a SERO location near you, visit our website or call us today. You’ve taken the first step by seeking information—now let us help you take the next one.

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SERO provides radiation therapy for cancer treatment at more than 20 locations across the Charlotte metro area. Our board-certified radiation oncologists partner with your care team to deliver personalized, expert treatment in a supportive, compassionate environment. Learn more about our colorectal cancer treatment options or schedule a consultation today.