A Guide to the Next Steps

If you’re newly diagnosed with lung cancer, the Compass Oncology team is here to guide you through what to expect next. This guide will help address questions and prepare you for your first appointment with an oncologist, who will assist you in finding the right path for your lung cancer treatment.

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What Kind of Doctor Should I Consult For Lung Cancer Treatment?

One of your first decisions after a lung cancer diagnosis is choosing a care team. Your diagnosis may have come from your primary care physician, a pulmonologist (lung specialist), or another doctor who cared for you when you noticed symptoms. However, you’ll need to see an oncologist for cancer treatment. 

The medical oncologist typically leads your cancer care team. Medical oncologists specialize in medicines that treat cancer, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Together, with the radiation oncologist, they'll create a personalized treatment plan based on the specific type of lung cancer, its stage, and your preferences. Once a plan is created, your medical oncologist will discuss it with you and the timing for each type of treatment. You will also meet individually with the surgeon and radiation oncologist to understand the treatments they will provide.

Watch the video below to learn more about choosing a cancer care team. 

Find a Lung Cancer Specialist Near You

Compass Oncology's lung cancer care team includes medical oncologists specializing in lung cancer. Our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive services, including radiation therapy, medical oncology, and clinical trials. Compass Oncology cares for lung cancer patients and has locations in the Portland-Vancouver area. 

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Understanding Lung Cancer

While being treated at an outpatient office in the Portland-Vancouver area at Compass Oncology, you will receive personalized treatment options based on several different factors. Here are the different important aspects of creating the best lung cancer treatment plan for you.
 
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What Type of Lung Cancer Do I Have?

There are many categories of lung cancer, as it is not just one disease with one treatment method. The most common types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

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staging lung cancer

What is the Extent of My Lung Cancer?

The results of the biopsy and images taken will allow your oncologist to determine the location and extent of the lung cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body. 

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Which Lung Cancer Treatments Will I Receive?

The lung cancer doctors at Compass Oncology will evaluate your individual situation and recommend a course of action. Here are some of the most common lung cancer treatments. 

Lung Cancer Treatments

There are different methods of treating lung cancer based on the type of lung cancer you have, as well as the size and stage of the tumor. Standard lung cancer treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. 

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Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer

Many new lung cancer treatments have been approved and used in combination with long-standing treatments. For some types of lung cancer, new treatments have replaced the first line of treatment previously given. Compass Oncology has clinical trials available to our lung cancer patients who qualify. 

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Preparing for Your First Oncology Appointment

We highly recommend that you take a relative or friend to your appointments who can help you with taking notes and listening since there will be a lot of information reviewed, and it can be hard to process everything if you’re alone.

Here are some useful tips on how you can remember what you're told and keep track of questions you'd like to ask your lung cancer doctor.

Keep a Notebook

Before you see an oncologist, we recommend getting a notebook and folder to take notes and keep paperwork together for your lung cancer treatment. You may want to use your note-taking system to write down questions as they come up amongst your family members or things that you may want to ask your oncologist regarding your diagnosis, treatment, or any other parts of your cancer journey. Or, you may prefer using the “notes” feature on your phone.

Start this notebook as soon as you’re diagnosed, even if you’re seeing your Primary Care Physician or a pulmonologist before you consult with an oncologist. Keep track of any questions, dates, medicine schedules, and how you are feeling. Include any questions, thoughts, or observations you have regarding appointments and procedures. Try to put a date on everything you write down to keep your thoughts and notes organized. This is all important information to share with your lung cancer care team.

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist

  • If you smoke, what programs are available to help you stop as quickly as possible?
  • If you smoke, are there medications that are available to stop the craving for nicotine?
  • What type of lung cancer do you have and what is the recommended treatment process for it?
  • What are the side effects you might have? Will you lose your hair?
  • Do you need to continue going to your primary care doctor for things that may not seem like they’re a cancer symptom or side effect of treatment?
  • Do you call your primary care doctor or the oncology office if you have questions about things that may not seem related to the cancer treatment?
  • Will you need surgery? At what point in the treatment process would that occur?
  • Are there any activities to avoid? Any you should add to your routine?
  • What is best to eat and drink while going through lung cancer treatment?
  • Are there cancer research trials that might be an option?
  • Is there access to supportive care such as support groups or counseling?

Should I Get a Second Opinion?

It’s really important that you feel confident in the diagnosis and the doctor who will be leading your cancer treatment. Many patients choose to get a second opinion before beginning any lung cancer treatment plan, and that is perfectly normal. At Compass Oncology, our physicians provide many second opinions – for all types of cancer diagnoses and treatment plans. Most insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but you should always check with your insurance provider to check your coverage before making an appointment.

To schedule a second opinion with one of our physicians, please choose a location that is convenient for you and call our office to make an appointment.

 

Lung Cancer Patients: You Are Not Alone

We know this is a difficult time, but you can do this. The Compass Oncology team of physicians and cancer care specialists are ready to help you every step of the way. There are also cancer support groups that Compass Oncology hosts, as well as others in the Portland and Vancouver communities that can help you. You can also check out our list of support groups that you may find helpful.

Patient Resources

Lung Cancer Doctors Caring for Patients in Portland-Vancouver

We provide the most recent lung cancer treatments to patients at all of our cancer centers in the region. Choose one that's convenient for you to request a consultation. 

East Office

5050 NE Hoyt St., Suite 256, Portland, OR 97213 Near Providence Hospital

(503) 239-7767

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Rose Quarter Cancer Center

265 N Broadway
Portland, OR 97227

(503) 280-1223

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Vancouver Cancer Center

210 SE 136th Avenue,
Vancouver, WA 98684

(360) 944-9889

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West Cancer Center

12123 SW 69th Avenue,
Tigard, OR 97223

(971) 708-7600

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