Gynecologic Oncology: What to Expect
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What to Expect from Your Initial Consultation with Dr. Williams
As a gynecologic cancer patient exploring treatment options at CTCA, you’ll meet with Dr. Williams and her nurse practitioner.
“We’ll spend about 1 ½ hours with you during that first visit, acquiring a detailed medical history, discussing everything going on with your health, and performing a comprehensive physical exam,” Dr. Williams says.
Then, Dr. Williams orders tests, such as PETs, MRIs and CTs. She and her nurse practitioner also examine all of your old records and scans, and thoroughly review your medical history. At that time, you’ll undergo diagnostic imaging and lab tests at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern). You’ll also spend time discovering more about the unique, comprehensive offering at CTCA by meeting with complementary medicine practitioners (e.g., mind-body therapists, dietitians, naturopaths, physical therapists).
Once your test results are ready (typically within a few days), Dr. Williams and her nurse practitioner meet with you again for approximately a half-hour to an hour. They’ll go over everything with you, including your lab results and scans, and talk with you about your available treatment options.
Dr. Williams notes, “We really try to think outside the box. We individualize treatment using evidence-based medicine, tailoring a program to each patient. Your treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy or therapy with a monoclonal antibody. It all depends on your unique case and preferences.”
What Should Patients Receiving Treatment Expect?
Once you’ve begun treatment at Midwestern for gynecologic cancer, you’ll meet with Dr. Williams and her nurse practitioner approximately every three to four weeks. Each time, you’ll undergo a comprehensive set of blood tests and a physical exam. Dr. Williams says, generally, patients receive three cycles of treatment, followed by comprehensive CT scans.
“We’re really paying close attention to everything on an ongoing basis,” she says. “We reassess everything to make sure that the treatment is working well.”
Ready to Learn More about the Gynecologic Oncology Program?
Just click to chat or call at 1-888-841-9129. Oncology Information Specialists at CTCA are available day and night, every single day of the year, to answer your questions.
