Navigating the Way for Breast Cancer Patients
October 5, 2011
Sonora,
CA
Sonora Regional Medical Center is providing a new level of patient care with the addition of a Breast Health Navigator. Susan Troy, RN, has been hired to serve in this innovative role, helping to coordinate the clinical, educational and support needs of breast cancer patients and their families.
Troy has been in nursing for 40 years and at Sonora Regional Medical Center for 30 years. Adding to her wealth of experience, Troy recently completed EduCare’s Breast Health Navigator training program. In this training program, Troy learned how to better educate patients about breast health issues and how to implement a comprehensive program of support for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Susan has had many different nursing roles in her 30 years with the Medical Center,” says Pauline Campbell, Vice President of Sonora Regional Medical Center. “All of her experience is culminating in this new role as she continues to bring compassionate care to the patients she serves.”
Having served both in medical oncology and radiation therapy, Troy has first-hand knowledge of the treatments some breast cancer patients may need and is well-equipped to prepare patients for what to expect. She provides support to patients and information about the treatment options suggested by their physicians.
“I help patients focus on one step at a time,” says Troy. “Focusing on one step at a time helps to minimize anxiety and reduces the tendency to be overwhelmed. But I also must assure patients that it is normal to feel overwhelmed.”
Troy’s contact with patients will begin when they have a “recall,” which is when a patient is asked to come back for additional views after a screening mammogram. “There is immediate anxiety when a patient gets the call,” says Troy. “There is ample data suggesting that the most difficult time for a woman is the time of uncertainty, so it is helpful to remind them that for eight out of ten patients, the recall resolves the issue.”
One of a nurse navigator’s most important jobs is to provide patients the tools they need to make the best decisions for their care and to provide information to reduce anxiety.
Troy is part of a large team providing care for cancer patients at the Medical Center. The team includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and other staff who work together to provide the very best care for each and every patient. Their work requires extreme coordination and the Breast Health Navigator is helping patients every step of the way.
