The diagnosis, the appointments, the blood work, the imaging tests – hearing the words “breast cancer” can be overwhelming enough but adding the related tasks can make you shut down emotionally.
That’s why Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute locations offer breast cancer patients the help of nurse navigators who are involved with their treatment from the moment of diagnosis through survivorship.
Nurse navigators can:
- Communicate with your medical team.
- Help you understand your diagnosis and its treatment.
- Provide emotional support.
- Suggest complementary therapies to help ease any side effects from the cancer or its treatment.
- Connect you with community resources and programs that can help make the cancer experience a little easier.
The Cancer Center at Backus Hospital is offering free “Navigating the Cancer Journey” sessions for patients interested in learning more about the services provided by oncology nurse navigator, Jessica Vanase. Social worker Sarah Winchester also provides education on coping with social and financial aspects of the cancer journey.
“I’m often one of the first people patients speak to after being told they have cancer and I’m the shoulder to cry on when the fear is overwhelming,” she said. “Other times, I’m helping patients understand their illness, test results, treatment and medications. Still others need help organizing their appointments or communicating with their medical team.
“I’d like to think that our interactions help patients feel less anxious and more able to keep their appointments and follow their provider’s treatment instructions.”
For more information on attending a free “Navigating the Cancer Journey” session, call Jessica Vanase at 860.425.3870. Registration for the class is required.