Patients

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Investigations and diagnosis Holistic Wellness

When should you come to CMC?

Patients can come to CMC at any stage, including:

When you have seen a doctor already and been referred to Cancer specialists for further tests

When you have been diagnosed with cancer

When you transfer to CMC after starting treatment or obtaining a diagnosis elsewhere

When you want a second opinion

Whatever happens, your treatment plan will be individual to you and what you need.

Choosing a consultant

Some people come to us because they have already chosen one of our consultants – either because of their reputation or through a recommendation. Many others come to us without having a named doctor. We can help you choose a specialist.

Investigations and diagnosis

When someone first has symptoms that may be a sign of cancer, tests will be done to work out where the problem is. This will involve scans and tests such as CT, PET, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and blood tests. The CMC team can arrange any investigations at state-of-the-art facilities, with the results usually being available within 24 to 48 hours.

Your doctor will also consider whether you have any other medical problems that may need to be addressed.

If the first investigations suggest there may be cancer, the next step is to confirm this and to work out exactly what type of cancer it is. This diagnosis is usually done by taking a tissue sample, called a biopsy.

There are a number of ways of doing a biopsy, depending on your individual case. Your consultant will explain the most appropriate way for you, but options can include:

Using a needle to remove a small sample. Often this is done with the help of scans, such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI, to make sure the needle is in the right place.

During surgery, when a whole lump/growth/tumor may be removed

During other procedures, such as an endoscopy/colonoscopy/bronchoscopy.

Blood tests may also be used during the diagnosis. These are especially important for blood cancers. Blood tests are also needed for genetic testing.

CureMyCancer Care is not just about cancer ‘treatments’

We also offer all patients wider physical and emotional support in partnership with APOLLO LIFE Wellness Programme . Our aim is to help you stay strong, combat side effects and help you through the difficult stages of treatment and recovery. Like.,,

Nutrition

Hair and image Advise

Psychological Therapy

Exercise and Fitness

Sexual Health and Intimacy

Complementary Therapies like reflexology, massage and aromatherapy

Second Opinion

If you have a diagnosis of cancer, whether or not you have started treatment, we can help you feel confident that you are getting the very best treatment options available to you:

This will either include new choices, or it may confirm that you are already receiving the best treatment available – either way it can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for you.

At CMC, one of our specialist cancer consultants will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your current and past medical history, and your type and stage of cancer

What to Expect from CureMyCancer Team

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially when you prepare for treatment with your care team. However, knowing what to prepare for can help make the process a little easier.

Here’s what you can generally expect in your first meeting with your oncologist, and care team, after your diagnosis.

OUR TREATMENT PROCESS

Before you meet with your oncologist, who is usually matched with you based on your cancer type, your introduction to the team will likely come in the form of a group consult.

They’ll look to gather your medical history and compile it into a single, complete file. This file will also include information regarding any scans or previous tests you’ve had, which your care team will collect for you. All of this information will help your oncologist research your unique case and come up with a treatment plan that works for you.

When it’s time to meet with your oncologist for the first time, they will usually have you walk them through your story. This serves two purposes:

First, it allows them to confirm the information collected and fill in any gaps.

Secondly, it gives them an opportunity to get to know you better.

As a result of this conversation, they’ll be able to learn more about your hopes, concerns, and goals, and can work to create a treatment plan that is best for you.

In telling your story, it’s important to never withhold information. Try to be as complete as you can be, and when in doubt, err on the side of oversharing. The more information you provide, the better aligned you’ll be with your team. Don’t worry if you get stuck; your doctor will have your medical chart, and they can use it to help guide you through each milestone.

In addition, you may find it beneficial to have someone accompany you during your initial visit. Not only can they provide emotional support, but they can also take notes, help you remember important dates, and process things after the visit.

“These conversations are always helpful and absolutely essential. By hearing my patient’s perspective, I’m able to get a sense of how to best meet their demands and help them reach their goals,” says Dr.Prathima Kanumuri

In most cases, your introductory appointment will usually include a short physical exam conducted by your oncologist

Open communication with your oncologist is essential to cancer care.

Once all of your information is collected, your oncologist will want to make sure you understand your cancer. They will usually start by explaining the general characteristics of your type of cancer, and then talk to you about your particular diagnosis. For example, if you have intermediate-risk prostate cancer, they may begin by explaining prostate cancer before diving into the different types, and finally, explaining your particular diagnosis.

At this point, you’ll start to learn about the various treatment options available to you, and the accompanying percentage of success for each. It’s important to remember that not all cancers are the same, and your diagnosis may fall into a “gray zone.” Factors like the cancer’s location, its stage, or even your age make it more difficult to accurately calculate how you and your cancer will respond to each treatment.

Every treatment has its pros and cons, and your doctor will make sure you know what these are. However, they should also make you confident that they’ve created the best possible treatment regimen for you.

“It is crucial for us to be honest, and not mislead our patients—however, it’s also important for us to be optimistic when we can be,” says Dr.Satyesh Nadella “There’s no reason our next patient can’t be the next success story.”

Once you understand your condition, it’s time to nail down a plan. This includes scheduling your therapy, which typically occurs within the week; in rare cases, you could begin treatment on the same day you meet your oncologist. They will also use this time to cover what the next few months of management will look like.

Don’t be surprised if the place where you receive your therapy is different from where you had your consultation. It could take place at the same hospital, or you may be advised to undergo care locally if your oncologist thinks you can get the same care closer to home. In this case, your oncologist will be in regular contact with your local care team, and they will be available any time you have a question or a decision to make regarding your care.

Important considerations

Before your first visit, there are a few additional things you may want to consider:

  • If possible, patients should try to come to their appointment with someone they trust. This experience can be difficult and anxiety-provoking. Having someone there to comfort you or take notes can be helpful.

  • Secondly, make sure you have something to write with. Your oncologist will be going over a lot of information and writing things down will help you sort through these details later on. Some hospitals may allow you to even record these conversations. Just make sure you have your doctor’s consent before doing so.

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. This can be exceptionally valuable if your diagnosis falls into the “gray zone,” and your oncologist may even be able to help facilitate a meeting with another doctor

Important

considerations