What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Cardio-Oncology Program
We understand that learning your child is at risk of or experiencing cardiovascular complications because of cancer treatments can be overwhelming — to say the least. Take comfort in knowing our experienced and caring Cardio-Oncology team is here for your child and you.
Our team focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing cardiac conditions that can sometimes develop because of certain cancer treatments, including some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. This focused perspective allows us to offer some of the latest treatments, recommendations, and therapies for families just like yours.
You'll benefit from pediatric oncologists, hematologists and cardiologists working together to develop a treatment plan that protects your child's heart wherever they may be in their cancer journey — whether they're in the middle of treatment or well into post-treatment care. Best of all, this coordinated care between cardiology and oncology specialties ensures your child can continue with their treatments.
We have proven experience supporting kids and their families experiencing many different types of heart disease. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
- Ventricular dysfunction
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms)
- High blood pressure
- Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Abnormal heart valve function
Discover what you can expect during your child's first appointment to the Cardio-Oncology Clinic.
Making an Appointment with Cardio-Oncology
Most of the time, your child’s oncologist or bone marrow transplant care team will refer you to the Cardio-Oncology Program. This can happen when your child is in the hospital receiving treatment, or if they are receiving care and treatment as an outpatient.
Once our team receives your child’s referral, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If your child is currently in the hospital, we will work to have them seem in our clinic before they are discharged.
Learn more about referrals or contacting our department.
Before Your Appointment
We're focused on diagnosing cardiac complications caused by cancer treatments as quickly as possible. This provides several benefits, including reducing the risk of missing treatments and increasing the chances that we can prevent further (and sometimes reverse) damage to your child's heart.
To do this, our team will schedule cardiac testing before we see your child in clinic. Our care coordinators will discuss which tests your child may need. Those could include:
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Cardiac MRI
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Exercise stress test
- Holter monitor
We'll provide information, advice and reassurance on how to prepare for these simple and pain-free tests.
If you have questions before your child's appointment, please contact us.
On the Day of Your Visit to Cardio-Oncology
Before Your Appointment
We want to make your visit as convenient as possible. All you need to bring is your child and information about past and current medication, including cancer treatments. Also, keep in mind our hospital is a big place. You may want to arrive about 30 minutes before your child's appointment - 15 minutes to park and walk to the Cardio-Oncology offices (located at main hospital, Burnet Campus, Building C, Level 4) and 15 minutes to check in at our registration desk.
Please contact the Cardio-Oncology office if you are running late for your appointment.
At Your Appointment
During your child's appointment, you'll meet with several members of our care team, including a registered nurse and an experienced provider. Our providers include pediatric cardiologists, pediatric oncologists, advanced care providers (such as a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant), pediatric hematologists and many others.
During your child's visit we will:
- Gather vitals (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, etc.)
- Review medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Discuss test results
- Recommend treatment options
Fortunately, there are many safe and effective treatments to help protect and heal a child's heart during and after cancer treatments. We'll discuss which options are best for your child, which may include:
- Follow up visits at the Cardio-Oncology Clinic
- Regular cardiac testing (echo or EKG) to monitor the heart
- Medications
- Advanced therapies
- Surgical procedures
Take comfort in knowing that we'll find the best path forward for your child and entire family.
After Your Visit to the Cardio-Oncology Clinic
You will receive an "After Visit Summary" before you leave, which includes important information about your next appointments, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
If you have questions after your child's appointment or need to speak with a member of our team, please contact us.
