What to Expect at Your First Visit
It can feel overwhelming to prepare for a visit with a cancer care team to discuss a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible and support our patients and their loved ones every step of the way. We are here with you, and we are here for you.
In addition to the materials provided with your appointment confirmation, this quick guide will help you prepare for your visit to N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital, a service of UNC Hospitals, to meet with your care team.
Before your visit
Ahead of your appointment, you will receive a call from an intake specialist to confirm your appointment details, review any medical records that need to be sent ahead of time and answer questions you might have about your upcoming visit.
If you’ll be traveling from out of town and will need housing, please ask your nurse navigator about SECU Family House, a comfortable and low-cost place for patients and caregivers to stay nearby UNC Hospitals. Your intake specialist can work with a navigator to help you get the necessary referral. Alternatively, you can search for affordable hotel options near UNC Hospitals through MedStay.
Who you will meet
During your first visit, you will likely meet several members of our care team. Pancreatic cancer care at UNC Health is a team effort, bringing together experts from various specialties who share the same goal: providing the best possible treatment and support. Here are some of the people you might expect to see:
- Medical oncology team – Reviews your diagnosis, orders any necessary labs or imaging tests and discusses treatment options such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trials available through research programs at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Surgical oncology team – Evaluates whether surgery should be part of your immediate treatment plan or it’s recommended that you wait. Most patients begin with chemotherapy before surgery, but every patient is unique.
- Radiology and imaging team – Coordinates scans or imaging studies that help guide treatment decisions.
- Nurse navigators – These are your main points of contact for questions, scheduling and follow-up. You might interact with a navigator from the medical oncology team and a separate navigator from the surgical team. Your navigator will check in with you a few days after treatment begins to make sure you are managing well.
- Palliative care team – Works alongside your other doctors to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life throughout treatment. It is never too early to benefit from the support provided by UNC Outpatient Oncology Palliative Care.
You may also meet pharmacists, infusion nurses and genetic counselors who work closely with your care providers to review potential medications and options for further testing.
What happens during your first visit
Your first visit to UNC Hospitals for pancreatic cancer care is typically a full day or half day and may include:
- Lab work: Blood tests to assess organ function, check genetic markers and help guide treatment choices.
- Consultations: Meetings with your medical oncologist and possibly your surgical team — either the same day or the same week.
- Treatment planning: Discussion of chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation options, as well as the potential benefits of clinical trials that might be available.
- Port discussion: If chemotherapy is recommended, your team will explain the process of placing a port for treatment and review what to expect.
It’s normal to feel like there is a lot of information to process. We know cancer treatment can be a huge undertaking. We will do our best to help clear up anything confusing or difficult. Please let us know if you ever feel lost, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification at any point — your team expects and welcomes questions.
Many patients and caregivers have found it helpful to bring a notebook to jot down notes or questions to ask during their appointments. When it comes to your health, there are no “stupid questions.”
Common questions to ask:
- How long will each infusion take?
- What should I bring with me for treatment days?
- How often will I receive treatment?
- How will we know if treatment is working?
- When might surgery become an option? What should we expect in preparation, on the day of surgery and in recovery?
- What side effects should I watch for, and who should I contact if I’m concerned?
What to expect in your first few weeks of care
Within two weeks of their initial visit, most patients:
- Have imaging scans completed
- Have a port placed (if chemotherapy is recommended)
- Have possible surgery timeline and expectations explained by multiple providers
- Begin treatment
If you begin receiving treatment and are experiencing side effects, our pharmacy team will provide the right medications to help manage them. Most patients receive medicine on the day of their first infusion to take home that can mitigate nausea and other common symptoms. A nurse navigator will follow up in a few days to check how you are feeling after beginning treatment.
After your first visit
Patients and their loved ones can expect to leave their first visit with new details, schedules, and maybe hard choices to consider. We are here to guide you throughout the entire process and provide the comprehensive support you need.
How to reach us:
- For urgent concerns, call the triage line at 984-974-0000.
- For routine questions, send a message through My UNC Chart or call your navigator directly at the number they provide you.
Support and resources
During and after treatment, patients and their caregivers will have full access to the many resources available through UNC Lineberger’s Comprehensive Cancer Support Program (CCSP). Ask your care team if you’d like to learn more about CCSP.
- Mental health support: Comprehensive mental support to navigate your emotional challenges during the cancer treatment journey
- Financial counseling: Help with paperwork, transportation, and understanding insurance coverage
- Legal support: Services and resources for any legal issues that might arise during or after cancer care
- Nutrition and wellness programs: Guidance on diet, managing appetite and maintaining strength during treatment. Many patients will meet with our wonderful team of gastrointestinal nutritionists who can help manage eating and digestion challenges.
- Support groups: Opportunities to connect with other patients and caregivers who understand what you’re going through