Along with friends and family, my nurse navigator, is truly a gift from God!
Hopefully, anyone dealing the breast and other types of cancers are familiar with this term. If not, let me tell you about them (and, mine, in particular).
The "technical" definition is, "The Nurse Navigator provides consistent care to the patient from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. They are knowledgeable about pathology and treatment options and support the physician's decisions and serve as liaison to other specialists in the patients care."
Pretty impressive, eh? Well, there's so much more!
I had no idea what to expect when I first received my diagnosis...I only knew fear. Shortly after my first appointment with my surgeon I received a message from this very cheery person named, Donna, who identified herself as my nurse navigator. I had no idea what this was, but she sounded like a person I wanted to talk with.
Mere words cannot explain how she lifted by spirits, answered questions (sometimes having to answer the same question over and over again), and let me know that we would get through this together!
I love my husband, have a crush on my doctor, but I would be totally lost without Donna! We can talk about everything...including instructions on how I was to "frost my nipple" prior to surgery. And, she's not just a voice on the phone...she's there at the hospital, too.
Just recently we discussed the possibility of my need for chemotherapy and it's effects, especially hair loss. There's nothing we can't talk about, and she has an endless supply of resources to help with any given situation.
Breast cancer is so frightening, the waiting between reports and doctor visits can seem like an eternity, and many of the procedures are not pleasant. But, I'm truly blessed with all of my caregivers...and Donna is at the top of my list!
Namaste,
Chele
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