Your First Visit

There are two entry points for colorectal cancer care at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. If you have been referred directly for surgery as your first step in treatment, your first stop is UW Medical Center. If you are seeing a medical oncologist first, you’ll be seen at the main SCCA clinic on south Lake Union.

When you make an appointment at either place, the patient care coordinator will explain your visit with the doctor and what paperwork you should bring with you or be prepared to fill out.

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 she or he will conduct a complete physical examination.
• Your surgeon will explain why it is advisable for you to have surgery before you begin any other treatment and explain your surgery options. He or she will make a recommendation and explain 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 then 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 the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance:

• Your 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.
• Expert and compassionate care by a closely knit support team that includes a nurse case manager, nurse practitioner, social worker ,and registered dietician. Each play an important role in your care.
• Access to clinical trials, some based on research by the same doctors who will be treating you.
• Information on 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.

For King-5 videos on the latest colon cancer treatment advancements and patients' stories, click here.

January 2007