What to Expect

Where you are seen and what to expect on your first visit depends on your health-care needs. You will either be seen in the Colorectal Cancer Clinic at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (south Lake Union) or at University of Washington Medical Center (University district). The doctors at both sites work as a closely knit team along with other SCCA professionals.

Is surgery your first step?
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and it has already been determined that you need surgery first, your first visit will be at UW Medical Center. You will receive further care and treatment at SCCA.

Do you need an evaluation by SCCA oncology?
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and need to be evaluated by an oncologist to discuss your treatment options, you will be seen at SCCA. Our team of colorectal cancer specialists will review your information, do any additional tests, and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you.

Here’s what happens at a surgery appointment:

• Your surgeon, a doctor specially trained in gastrointestinal or colorectal surgery, will review your medical records, including any tests or biopsies you have already had.
• You and your surgeon will meet, and you will have a complete physical examination.
• Your surgeon will explain why it is advisable for you to have surgery before you begin any other treatment, explain your surgery options, and how it fits into your overall cancer care.
• You will leave the appointment knowing what your next steps should be.<

Here's what happens a colorectal cancer clinic appointment:

• Your medical oncologist will review your medical records, including any tests or biopsies that you have already had.
• Your pathologist and possibly other team members will review your pathology slides (tissue samples from any biopsies) to help the other physicians thoroughly understand your cancer.
• Your medical oncologist will meet with you and conduct a complete physical examination.
• One or more of the doctors on your team will meet with you (and any friends or family members you would like to have with you) to discuss the team's findings and any further tests you may need. If appropriate, they will begin to discuss a treatment plan with you. This is a good time to ask any questions that you may have.
• You will leave the appointment knowing what your next steps should be.

It is hard to remember every detail of a conversation when we are nervous or anxious. Bring in a list of questions and a trusted friend or relative to take notes. Some people even tape record their visits to listen to back at home.

What you can expect at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance:

• Expert team of colorectal cancer specialists includes doctors who focus almost exclusively on treating patients with colon or rectal cancer. They talk with each other—and with you—so together you can choose the best possible treatment.
• Compassionate care by a closely knit team that includes a nurse case manager, nurse practitioner, social worker, and registered dietician. Each has an important role in your care.
• Access to clinical trials, some based on research by the same doctors who will be treating you.
• Information about ongoing support and self-care for you and your family while you are going through cancer treatment: education, support groups, resources, and help to look and feel your best. Follow-up care after you have completed treatment, provided by the same team of specialists caring for you now. Patient education including information about colorectal cancer, screenings, assessing your risk and prevention.