What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Guidance and support during kidney cancer treatment and recovery.

It’s normal to have questions or be concerned after receiving a kidney cancer diagnosis. But you won’t be alone on your journey.

Our team will meet with you to answer all your questions and explain what happens next. Knowing what to expect can help calm your fears and give you a sense of control over your treatment.

What should I expect from my first appointment?

During your first appointment with our team, we will explain your diagnosis, review your treatment plan, and answer your questions. We encourage you to bring a family member, friend, or another caregiver with you to this appointment because you will learn a lot of important information.

At the appointment, you will:

• Meet your nurse navigator, who will be your point of contact throughout treatment to schedule appointments and answer your questions
• Meet with your care team, which may include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologists and interventional radiologists
• Learn about your cancer’s stage and our team’s recommended treatment options
• Learn what to expect before, during, and after treatment
• Schedule additional tests or appointments
• Get connected to our cancer support services, which provides a range of resources to support your physical and emotional well-being during cancer treatment and beyond

How is my kidney cancer treatment plan created?

Deciding the best course of action for treating kidney cancer and managing your unique needs requires knowledge and experience.

Our experts will closely review and discuss your case at our weekly tumor board meeting to develop a treatment plan that is unique to your diagnosis and health needs. Our tumor board includes specialists from several medical fields:

• Urology
• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Interventional radiology
• Radiology
• Pathology
• Clinical trials
• Nurse navigators
• Social workers and other supportive oncology specialists

After preparing your treatment plan, our nurse navigators will help arrange all your necessary appointments.

What questions should I ask my kidney cancer doctors?

As you prepare for your first appointment, consider asking the following questions of your kidney cancer care team:

• What type of kidney cancer do I have?
• What stage is my cancer, and how does that affect my treatment options?
• Do I need more tests?
• How soon should I begin treatment?
• How should I prepare for treatment?
• How might my life change after treatment?