Your First Visit with the Top Cancer Specialist in Pune: What to Expect - Galaxy-care/blog GitHub Wiki

Facing the unknown can bring anxiety — especially when you’re preparing to meet a cancer specialist for the first time. If you’re planning a visit to Pune’s renowned top cancer specialist in Pune, here’s an in-depth guide to help you navigate the experience with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

1. Pre‑visit Preparations Gather Your Medical Records Before your appointment, collect all relevant documents — previous scans (CT, MRI, PET), biopsy results, lab reports (CBC, liver/kidney function), surgical reports, and discharge summaries from any earlier hospital stays. A complete medical history gives your specialist a full picture, reducing the need for repeat tests and enabling quicker decision-making.

List Your Concerns and Questions Compile a concise list of symptoms, their duration and intensity, and any lifestyle or environmental factors you believe are relevant. Write down questions like:

“What’s causing my symptoms?” “What are the possible diagnoses?” “What investigations will you recommend?” “What treatment options are available?” Having this list ensures nothing important slips through the cracks during your consultation.

Bring a Support Person Consider taking a trusted companion — family member or friend. They can help you remember details, ask questions you may forget, and provide emotional support during what might be a stressful visit.

Know What to Bring On the day, bring:

A photo ID (for hospital registration) Insurance documents A notepad and pen Comfortable clothing suitable for physical exams Any current medications (or a list of them) 2. The Initial Consultation History-Taking The cancer specialist — widely regarded as the top cancer specialist in Pune — will begin with a comprehensive medical history. Expect questions about:

When and how symptoms started Any unexplained weight loss or fatigue Family history of cancer or other diseases Existing health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) This detailed discussion helps your doctor assess risk, interpret test results, and rule out other causes.

Physical Examination Depending on your symptoms, the specialist may conduct a thorough physical exam — checking lymph nodes, breast/chest area, abdomen, or other relevant organs. Some may be transferable to a digital or robotic-assisted laparoscopic assessment if planning minimally invasive procedures like a biopsy or staging laparoscopy.

3. Understanding the Cancer Workup Diagnostic Tests Based on the initial findings, your top cancer specialist in Pune may recommend:

Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) to identify tumour location and spread Biopsy to confirm cancer type Lab tests like tumor markers to assist diagnosis Together, these steps complete the diagnostic puzzle and guide treatment planning.

Multidisciplinary Team Involvement Galaxy Care follows a strong multidisciplinary approach. Your case may be discussed in a tumor board, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons, ensuring that treatment planning benefits from diverse expertise.

4. Discussing Treatment Options Tailored Treatment Planning Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will present a personalized treatment plan. Options might include:

Surgery: Laparoscopic, robotic, or open (as needed) Medical oncology: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy Radiation oncology Combination or sequence therapy, depending on disease stage and patient condition For many early-stage cancers, minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic procedures are preferred — they offer smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. Galaxy Care’s oncosurgery team, led by this top cancer specialist in Pune, is at the forefront of these innovations.

Deep Dive: Laparoscopic and Robotic Expertise Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar — leader of Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute — is credited with developing the laparoscopic radical hysterectomy known as the “Pune Technique.” He’s also India’s first robotic oncosurgeon, having performed over 400 robotic procedures.

This level of innovation provides patients access to world-class minimally invasive surgery — with outcomes comparable to open surgery but with significantly improved post-operative recovery.

5. Pre‑Treatment Counseling During this phase, your specialist will:

Explain the proposed treatment: Why it’s recommended, expected benefits, potential side effects, timelines, and alternatives. Discuss risks: Every procedure has associated risks; detailed counseling ensures you’re fully informed. Outline logistics: Hospital stay length, required investigations, and follow-up routine. Answer questions: From lifestyle changes to fertility preservation or accommodations during treatment. This is your opportunity to ask candidly — ensuring clarity and reducing anxiety before starting treatment.

6. Treatment and Surgery Day Final Evaluations Just before treatment — especially surgery — your team will conduct final checks: Anaesthetic review, blood investigations, and imaging updates when necessary.

Surgery: What to Expect If laparoscopic or robotic surgery is performed, expect:

Minimally invasive incisions (usually 5–12 mm) for camera and instruments Use of CO₂ gas to expand the abdomen for better visibility Magnified surgical view enabling precision dissection and minimal blood loss Thanks to advancements by your top cancer specialist in Pune, these surgeries offer excellent oncologic results with shorter hospital stays.

7. Post‑Operative Recovery & Support Immediate Post‑Surgical Care Your recovery room will feature round-the-clock monitoring. Key goals include:

Pain control using IV medications and transitioning to oral pain relievers Early mobilization to prevent complications like blood clots and lung congestion Diet progression from IV fluids to light diet as tolerated Wound monitoring: Keeping incisions clean to prevent infection Discharge Planning Typically within 1–3 days post-minimally invasive surgery (possibly longer for open procedures), discharge criteria include stable vitals, pain management on oral medication, ability to eat, drink, and walk, and clear instructions for wound care and medication.

Before leaving, you’ll be given detailed instructions — including physical activity, diet, medications, warning signs, and follow-up schedules.

8. Long‑Term Follow‑Up and Survivorship Follow‑Up Appointments Regular follow‑up visits post-treatment are crucial. Your team will assess wound healing, review histopathology reports, monitor tumor markers or imaging, and manage any late side effects. Each visit is a chance to ask questions and discuss next steps in your care.

Survivorship and Quality of Life Beyond disease control, survivorship includes:

Rehabilitation (physical therapy, counseling, nutritional guidance) Monitoring and managing late side effects (e.g., lymphedema, menopausal symptoms) Emotional and mental health support through counseling, support groups, or psycho‑oncology Galaxy Care is recognized for holistic survivorship programs — including lifestyle advice, post-treatment assessment, and emotional support.

9. The Galaxy Care Advantage Expert Leadership in Cancer Surgery Dr. Puntambekar has received multiple AAGL “Golden Telescope” awards and the Kurt Semm award — unique achievements in India. He is a global leader in laparoscopic oncology and robotic surgery, with extensive live teaching and workshops worldwide.

Advanced Infrastructure Galaxy Care was the first in Western and Southern India to introduce a fully functional robotic operating theatre. Their Laparoscopy Institute and surgical teams abide by international safety and quality standards.

Patient‑Centric Multidisciplinary Care From diagnosis through rehabilitation, your care team includes counselors, dietitians, physiotherapists, stoma therapists, and psycho-oncologists — ensuring treatment attends to both medical and personal needs.

Innovation, Evidence & Empathy Combining cutting-edge surgical approaches with compassionate patient care, Galaxy Care offers:

Precision-driven, minimally invasive surgical options Evidence-based chemotherapy and radiation protocols Individualized plans that factor in personal preferences, support systems, and quality-of-life goals