If you’re reading this guide after being referred to or advised to see a pancreatic cancer doctor, most likely you had a scan that revealed signs that needed further assessment. It may also be due to your blood results or a pattern of symptoms that needs closer assessment.
At the clinic, your pancreatic cancer specialist will check your records, review any imaging and discuss your symptoms to build a clearer picture. This first meeting aims to answer immediate questions like what the tests show, whether further scans or a biopsy are needed, and who will be involved in your care.
It is basically a starting point for planning tests, treatment or monitoring. Think of this visit as the moment you move from uncertainty into a staged plan.
You were told you should see a pancreatic cancer doctor. That news can land like a blow. You may feel shock, fear or a small relief at getting a clearer plan. All of that is normal.
How to Emotionally Prepare for Meeting with your Pancreatic Cancer Doctor
If you’re like many people, being told to see a cancer specialist may not be easy to take. You may experience mixed emotions and even feel numb, as if the news happened to someone else.
Some people feel flooded with racing thoughts, tight chest, trouble sleeping or loss of appetite. All these are understandable which is why it is important to prepare emotionally for meeting with the doctor. This shouldn’t be difficult as it may seem.
Since simple regular tasks can reduce uncertainty and lower your stress, you will want to begin by confirming the appointment time and location the day before. While at that, map out transport and parking so you are not rushed.
It may also help to check whether the clinic needs any tests, forms or a current medication list. Importantly, decide who will come with you or who will be on call for support.
If a scan or biopsy may happen, confirm fasting or medication rules ahead of time. As part of your preparation, here is a quick rundown of the other things you will want to bring to the appointment;
- Documents like referral letter, test results, ID and clinic or insurance details: Bring printed or digital copies of any scans, blood tests or referral notes you have. These let the doctor review findings without delay and avoid repeated tests. Keep ID and clinic or insurance details ready so administrative tasks don’t slow the visit.
- Medication list: Write down every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take, and the dose and time you take it. This helps the specialist spot interactions and decide if any medicines need to stop before tests. If you use insulin or other diabetes drugs, note how you manage them.
- Notes: Put key dates and changes on a single page. You will want to capture when symptoms began, how they changed and what makes them better or worse. A one-line summary will help you start the meeting clearly, especially if nerves make it hard to speak. Doctors use this timeline to focus tests and questions.
- Comfort items like water, tissues, a pen and a phone charger: Bring a water bottle in case you feel dry or light-headed, and tissues for strong emotions. A pen lets you take notes, and a phone charger keeps communication open with family. Small comforts make a long visit easier to get through.
What Questions to Ask your Pancreatic Cancer Doctor?
As you prepare to meet your pancreatic cancer doctor, you will also need clarity which is why knowledgeable doctors accept that you ask them any questions. Asking clear questions will not only give you facts, but also help reduce uncertainty, and shift focus from fear to action.
What’s more it helps you make choices, feel heard, and regain control before and after the appointment. If you are not sure where to begin, here are a few sample questions to ask your pancreatic cancer doctor;
- What do my test results show and what do they mean for me? Ask for a simple explanation of each result and how it points to a likely diagnosis. Request the most important point first, then the details if you want them. Clear, plain-language answers can help reduce confusion.
- What are the next tests or scans and why are they needed? Find out which investigations will confirm a diagnosis, when they will happen and how they affect decisions. Ask about the risks and how to prepare. The key thing here is to know the purpose of each test so you can remain focused on what matters.
- Is this likely to be cancer, or could it be something else? Ask how certain the doctor is based on current evidence and what other conditions can cause similar results. Clear information on probability can help you weigh options without jumping to extremes. This question sets realistic expectations.
- Which specialist will manage my care and who coordinates the team? Pancreatic care often involves surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nurses. Ask who leads the team and who you call with questions. A good doctor will help you see clear lines of responsibility which can save time and reduce repeated explanations.
- What treatment options might be considered and how urgent are they? Ask about the range of possible approaches like watchful waiting, surgery, chemotherapy, or clinical trials and the timeline for deciding. Discuss what influences choice, such as test results or overall health. This gives you a realistic view of next steps.
- What side effects or risks should I expect from tests or treatment? Ask for the most common risks and how they manage them. Once you know the likely effects rest assured it will be much easier to plan for work, caregiving and travel. Also ask how side effects are monitored and treated.
- Who can I call if I have urgent questions after the appointment? Ask for a direct contact in times of urgent concerns. This can be a nurse coordinator or clinic phone and the hours it operates. Know when to use emergency services instead. With a named contact, you can easily cut anxiety in the days after the visit.
- Are there support services you recommend, such as counselling or support groups? Ask about counselling, dietitians or social workers linked to the clinic. These services help you and your family cope with decisions and daily life. A referral can be arranged at the time of the visit.
Closing Thoughts
Ask for professional help if anxiety stops you doing daily tasks, if you cannot sleep for many nights, or if you feel hopeless or unsafe. Tell the clinic these concerns so they can refer you to a counsellor, or clinical nurse specialist if needed.
If you are in Singapore and want support before your visit, our pancreatic care coordinators can help gather records, plan transport and coach you on the questions to ask. Contact our clinic below to book a pre-appointment call:
Dr Lee Chin Li – Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
