What should I bring to my first Small Bowel Cancer appointment

What to Bring to Your First Small Bowel Cancer Appointment

Here's a practical checklist to help you prepare for your initial consultation:

[ID removed] & Imaging

Essential documents:

• Any pathology reports or biopsy results confirming your diagnosis
• All imaging studies (CT scans, MRI, PET scans) on CD or in digital format—these are critical since according to NCCN Guidelines for Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma, imaging is central to staging and treatment planning
• Lab results (blood work, tumor markers like CA 19-9 and CEA)
• Endoscopy reports if you've had EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) or other procedures
• Any pathology slides or reports describing your tumor's characteristics

Personal Health Information

Bring details about:

• Complete list of current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements)
• Allergies (especially to chemotherapy drugs or contrast dyes used in imaging)
• Previous surgeries or treatments
• Family history of cancer, especially Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)—the NCCN Guidelines recommend all small bowel cancer patients be counseled about familial cancer risks
• Any history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or celiac disease, as these increase small bowel cancer risk

Questions & Notes

Prepare in advance:

• Write down your symptoms and when they started
• List any questions about diagnosis, staging, or treatment options
• Bring a notebook to take notes during the appointment
• Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend to help listen and take notes

Insurance & Administrative

• Insurance card and photo ID
• Any referral forms required by your insurance
• List of previous healthcare providers

Why This Matters

According to the NCCN Guidelines, your oncology team needs complete staging information including imaging results, pathology findings, and molecular testing results (like MMR/MSI status) to develop your personalized treatment plan. Having these documents organized saves time and ensures your doctor has everything needed to make informed recommendations.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.