Health & Fitness
Help on the Breast Cancer Journey
Women facing breast cancer can feel anxious or confused, so it helps to have a personal guide through the complexities of the clinical, emotional and practical aspects of their diagnosis and treatment.
As an oncology nurse navigator, I work closely with North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary specialists–including breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, social workers, nutritionists and genetic counselors–to promote communication between patients and their healthcare team. I also serve as a liaison between breast cancer patients and physicians, helping patients to get answers to their questions, including what side effects to expect and how to cope with them.
I am with my breast cancer patients as long as they need my help, providing education and support, coordinating care and advocating for patients along the entire continuum of care. I also put patients in touch with resources to help them find transportation to appointments, childcare assistance and financial and health insurance concerns.
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Patients and their lived ones experience emotional hurdles, too, so I help women, their spouses and young children to cope with the stress of the cancer diagnosis. I give them information about additional services like patient and family support groups–and a shoulder to lean on, too.
This post was written by Sarah Parise, RN, oncology nurse navigator for the North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute.
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