Your First Visit

Consultation 
Before even becoming a patient at SCCA, most people request a consultation. This includes a conference with a transplant oncologist who has expertise with your disease. The physician will review your medical records, discuss treatment options, and make recommendations for you and your refering physician. You will also meet with a representative from Patient Financial Services and be offered an orientation and tour by a transplant nurse. To schedule a consultation call 206-288-7222.

Transplant Workup 
Every transplant patient at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) is cared for by a personal team that includes an oncologist, a fellow or a physician’s assistant, a registered nurse, a pharmacist, a dietitian, and a social worker.

During your first day at SCCA, you will meet your doctor and nurse. The nurse will ask many questions and give you a tour of the transplant clinic, which is on the sixth floor of the SCCA clinic. Your doctor will then complete a health history and examine you.

Your nurse will give you consent forms at this time so that you have time to review them before you sit down with your medical team for the Arrival Conference. You will also be given a copy of SCCA’s “Patient & Caregiver Resource Manual.” 

Arrival Conference 
During the Arrival Conference, scheduled for the second day of your visit, you'll meet with your physician and other members of your team to discuss your treatment plan.

You may bring members of your family, including the donor, to this meeting. During the conference, your doctor will explain the transplant process and the risks and benefits.

Your physician will answer any questions that you may have about the plan. Once you feel that you understand the risks and benefits of the treatment plan, and you want to continue, you will be asked to sign consent forms giving us permission to treat you.

This conference is followed by an evaluation for transplant, which can take two weeks. During this time, your diagnosis will be confirmed, we'll evaluate your donor and your own health, to insure that you are ready for transplant.

October 2007