Your First Consultation
The first appointment is the one most people dread. We've tried to make ours the opposite of that — unhurried, organised, and built around answering the questions you actually came in with.
What this visit is for
A first oncology consultation has three jobs: to understand your story properly, to review the medical evidence already gathered, and to agree on the next step together. It is not a place where decisions are rushed at you. If a diagnosis is still being confirmed, we will say so. If a plan is clear, we will lay it out in writing. If we need another test before deciding, we will tell you exactly which one and why.
"Most people walk in expecting to be talked at. They leave saying, 'I actually understood everything that was said today.' That is the only standard I care about for a first visit."
What to bring with you
The more we have in front of us on day one, the less back-and-forth there will be later. If something on this list is missing, come anyway — we will work with what you have and arrange the rest.
Medical reports
All blood tests, biopsy reports, surgical reports, and any prior oncology notes. Originals or clear photocopies are both fine.
Biopsy slides & blocks
If a biopsy has been done, bring the actual glass slides and paraffin blocks — not just the typed report. We may need to send them for review or additional staining.
Imaging on CD or USB
CT, MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound, mammogram — bring the imaging itself, not only the radiologist's letter. The pictures often tell us more than the report.
Medication list
Everything you take regularly — including blood pressure pills, diabetes medication, blood thinners, herbal remedies, and supplements.
A family member or close friend
Two sets of ears are better than one. Bring someone you trust to sit with you, take notes, and ask the questions you might forget.
Your questions, written down
Anything that has been keeping you up at night. No question is too small. If you write them in advance, we will work through every one.
How the visit flows
Most first consultations take between 30 and 60 minutes. There is no script, but the rhythm is roughly this:
- Your story, in your words. When the symptoms started, what tests have been done so far, what you have been told, and what you are most worried about. We listen first.
- A focused physical examination. Targeted to your situation — not a top-to-toe routine, but careful where it matters.
- Reviewing the reports together. We will go through the biopsy, the scans, and the blood work line by line, and translate every piece of jargon into plain language.
- Naming the situation honestly. If we know the diagnosis, we will say so. If we are still piecing it together, we will say that too — and explain which test answers which question.
- Discussing the options. The realistic plans, the trade-offs of each, the likely benefits, the side effects to expect, and how long the treatment would take.
- Agreeing on the next step. Sometimes this is starting treatment soon, sometimes it is one more test, sometimes it is taking a few days to think. Whatever it is, it is your decision, made with the full picture in front of you.
What you leave the room with
You should never walk out of an oncology consultation wondering what just happened. Before you leave, you will have:
- A written summary of what we discussed and what was agreed.
- A clear next step — the next test, the next visit, or the start of treatment, with dates.
- A list of any prescriptions and instructions on how to take them.
- The clinic phone number and WhatsApp — to use if a question comes up at 9pm, on a Sunday, or any time at all.
- Permission to take time. If you want to think, get a second opinion, or speak with family before deciding, that is encouraged, not resented.
If you do not yet have a confirmed diagnosis
Plenty of patients come to us with a worrying scan or a suspicious lump and nothing more. That is fine. Part of an oncologist's job is to arrange the right biopsy, the right imaging, and the right blood work in the right order — so we reach an answer quickly without wasting time or money on tests that will not change the plan.
If you already have a plan from another doctor
Many patients come for a second opinion, or to take over treatment from a previous oncologist. Both are common and welcome. We will review what has been done, share our honest view, and either confirm the existing plan, suggest adjustments, or recommend a different direction — always with reasons you can understand. Read more about second opinions →
Cost, paperwork, and what to expect at the desk
Consultation fees are quoted up front, with no surprises. If your employer or insurer requires specific paperwork, tell us at booking and we will have it ready. If cost is a concern at any point in your care, please say so — there are almost always options, and we would rather plan around the reality than discover it later.
Ready to book your first consultation?
Send us a WhatsApp message with a brief summary, and we will arrange a time that works for you and your family.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
This page is patient education, not a substitute for an in-person consultation. Cancer care must be individualised. Read our medical disclaimer →