Frequently Asked Questions

A diagnosis of cancer brings with it a lot of questions. We’ve compiled some of the most common ones that come up. If you’ve got questions that you don’t see here, please speak with your doctor or call us at 805-219-4673 in Santa Maria or 805-474-5300 in Arroyo Grande.

What can I do before my first appointment with the oncologist?

Before your first visit with an oncologist, there are several things you can do to prepare and make the most of your appointment:

Gather Your Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including test results, imaging studies, and any previous treatment plans. Bring these records with you to your appointment.

Create a List of Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your condition, treatment options, side effects, and prognosis. Don't hesitate to ask your oncologist any questions you may have.

Bring a Support Person: Consider bringing a family member or friend to your appointment for support and to help you remember the information discussed.

Research Your Condition: Learn as much as you can about your cancer type, treatment options, and potential side effects. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Prepare a List of Medications: Make a list of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking, including dosages and frequency.

Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress comfortably for your appointment, as you may need to undergo a physical examination.

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and settle in before your appointment time.

Be Open and Honest: Share all relevant information with your oncologist, including your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any concerns or fears you may have.

Take Notes: Bring a notebook or recording device to take notes during your appointment. This will help you remember important details discussed.

Follow-Up: If your oncologist recommends any additional tests or procedures, schedule them promptly to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, your oncologist is there to support and guide you through your cancer journey. By preparing for your first visit, you can actively participate in your care and make informed decisions about your treatment.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is commonly used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and many others.

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die or stop dividing. It can be delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, using radioactive materials placed directly into or near the tumor.

External beam radiation therapy involves directing high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation at the tumor from outside the body. The radiation is precisely targeted to the tumor area, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive materials directly into or near the tumor. This can be done using various methods, such as implants, seeds, or catheters. Brachytherapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while reducing the exposure of healthy tissues to radiation.

Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. The specific type of radiation therapy, dosage, and treatment schedule depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient's overall health.

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer, and it can help to cure cancer, shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. However, it can also have side effects, such as skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. These side effects are usually temporary and manageable.

If you are considering radiation therapy as a treatment option, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. They can provide you with personalized information based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about your care.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, and it can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.

Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with the growth and division of cancer cells. They can be given orally, intravenously (through a vein), or topically (applied directly to the skin). The specific drugs used, the dosage, and the treatment schedule depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual patient's overall health.

Chemotherapy can be very effective in treating cancer, but it can also have side effects. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and mouth sores. These side effects are usually temporary and manageable, but they can sometimes be severe.

If you are considering chemotherapy as a treatment option, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. They can provide you with personalized information based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about your care.

Here are some additional things to know about chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy is not a cure for cancer, but it can help to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.
• Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove.
• Chemotherapy can be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Chemotherapy can be used in combination with radiation therapy to improve the effectiveness of both treatments.
• Chemotherapy can be used as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with advanced cancer.

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It is a relatively new approach to cancer treatment, but it has shown promise in treating a variety of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It can be done in several ways, including:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors: These drugs block proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them evade the immune system. By blocking these proteins, the immune system can more easily recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Adoptive cell therapy: This type of immunotherapy involves taking immune cells from the patient, modifying them in the laboratory to make them more effective at killing cancer cells, and then reinjecting them into the patient.
• Oncolytic viruses: These viruses are engineered to infect and kill cancer cells. They can also stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Cancer vaccines: These vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that target cancer cells.

Immunotherapy can be very effective in treating cancer, but it can also have side effects. Some common side effects include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks.

If you are considering immunotherapy as a treatment option, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. They can provide you with personalized information based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about your care.