The Block Center: Gathering the Information We Need to Give You the Best Care
The first visit to a treatment facility after receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be one fraught with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. We’ll do all we can in advance of your arrival, and once you’re at the center, to allay these understandable feelings. We know that emotional and psychological supports are central to whole health, and encourage you to bring loved ones with you.
Who you are, in all your aspects, as opposed to what you’ve been diagnosed with, is of great significance to your treatment and health. In order for us to best understand your needs and to design a personalized medical care program for you, in advance of your first visit to the Block Center we will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire.
The personal medical and dietary information you provide will make it possible for us to begin formulating a specially tailored treatment program that meets your individual physical, lifestyle, and emotional needs --- all before you even arrive for your appointment.
We also require certain medical records and laboratory reports. In order for our clinical staff to review this information in advance, it is critical that we receive it at least a week prior to your arrival. We will need: A chronological history with dates of diagnosis, procedures, and treatments; previous medical reports; pathology reports; reports from CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, X-Rays; surgical reports; results of your most recent blood work; a record of previously received chemotherapy, including protocols and dates of treatments. Assembling all these records and reports can be a bewildering task, daunting and at times overwhelming. So, if you have questions or need assistance in getting these records, please call one of our Patient Advocates for help.
Once you’re here with us at the center we will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination, possibly including additional tests, followed by an extensive consultation with one of our physicians. Depending on what the doctor recommends you may be required to fast for certain lab tests. If you have difficulty in doing so due to personal tolerance or a medical condition, please inform our staff prior to your visit. You’ll meet with one of our dietitians for a complete nutritional assessment and the first phase of your personalized dietary strategy. Recommended sessions with our complementary care specialists in mind-body stress care, physical conditioning and bodywork can also be scheduled.
To ensure that all aspects of your care are addressed, we will not rush you. As a result, please allow a minimum of half a day at the Block Center.
