Your Point of Contact
You don’t have to keep track of everything on your own. Michelle Sorrell, our nurse navigator, can serve as your point of contact between appointments and help with questions about your child’s surveillance and upcoming visits.
Before Your Appointment
Before your first visit, Michelle will talk with you about your child’s cancer predisposition syndrome, surveillance needs and any appointments that need to be scheduled.
She may also work with you to gather information such as:
- Your child’s health and medical history
- Previous testing and test results
- Relevant medical records
- A copy of your child’s genetic test results, if available
Occasionally, families may be asked to send records or test results to our team before the appointment.
You do not need to complete any special forms before your first visit.
Preparing for Testing or Imaging
Some children may have imaging or other surveillance testing scheduled in addition to their clinic appointment.
Certain tests require special preparation. For example, your child may need to fast before an abdominal ultrasound, PET/CT or a scan requiring anesthesia. If your child has testing scheduled, our team will let you know how to prepare.
On the Day of Your Appointment
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Allow additional time to park and walk to the clinic.
When you arrive at our Burnet Campus, check in at the Building B Welcome Desk and then take the elevator to the fifth floor of Building B (B5).
Your child can wear whatever clothing is most comfortable.
Please bring:
- Your insurance card
- A copy of your child’s genetic test results, if you have them
If you are running late, call Michelle Sorrell at 513-803-0346
What Happens at the First Appointment?
Your first appointment typically lasts about one hour.
The goal of this visit is to help you understand your child’s cancer predisposition syndrome and determine a plan for ongoing surveillance. We’ll take time to answer your questions, review your child’s health and perform a physical exam.
Depending on your child’s condition and needs, you may meet with specialists such as a:
- Medical oncologist
- Geneticist
- Endocrinologist
- Genetic counselor
Together, we’ll discuss what your child’s diagnosis means and what kinds of ongoing monitoring may be appropriate.
Planning Your Child’s Cancer Surveillance
Cancer surveillance means regularly monitoring your child for signs of cancer. The specific testing and schedule will depend on your child’s cancer predisposition syndrome and individual needs.
Your care team will talk with you about the recommended surveillance plan and help coordinate the testing and follow-up appointments your child needs.
In some cases, your child’s care may also be reviewed at a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists discuss the case together. If that happens and there are additional recommendations, your child’s oncologist will contact you after the discussion.
After Your Appointment
Information about your visit and recommended next steps will be available through MyChart.
For many families, the next step is to continue regular cancer surveillance. Your care team will help you understand what testing is recommended and when your child should return.
Information about your child’s care may also be available to referring healthcare providers through CareEverywhere.
