One Patient's Experience with the New Oncology Patient Navigator, Karen Cooper
It was a snowy day in Jan. 2008 when I met with Joseph Kelley, MD, a gynecological oncology specialist at Magee, to discuss the results of my recent breast biopsy. Twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was floored when I learned I had a recurrence. Again, came an overwhelming amount of decision-making and planning – from what treatments I would need, scheduling numerous doctor’s appointments, and what surgeries I’d need, in addition to the overarching stress of battling breast cancer for a second time.
My husband and I live in Beaver, PA and due to the inclement weather, wanted to make the best use of our time at Magee having tests conducted and seeing various specialists all in one trip. The patient navigator, Karen Cooper, was contacted to guide us. Karen was recently hired by Magee to provide women’s cancer patients with information on treatment options, to help schedule appointments, and assist in other ways like providing information for support groups and much more.
Karen was able to make an immediate appointment with a plastic surgeon so my husband and I could inquire about my options regarding breast reconstruction. After my plastic surgeon visit, we had lunch and Karen took us to the radiology department where she had scheduled an appointment for me to have a needle aspiration to search for signs of cancer, infection, or other conditions.
The patient navigator phoned me the very next day. I was overwhelmed when she presented my treatment options. I decided to have both ovaries removed prophylactically, at the time of my bilateral mastectomy. I was still undecided about breast reconstruction, but eventually decided not to go through with reconstruction because I did not feel I could tolerate extensive surgery in excess to my other two surgical procedures.
When I was hospitalized for my procedures, Karen visited me. It was reassuring to see another familiar face. We discussed my recovery. After my discharge, she called me to find that I had developed a kidney complication, which required a stint and I returned to the ER for evaluation. She reassured me everything would work out.
My recovery at home was lengthy and after several weeks, I became discouraged. Karen called periodically to check on me. Also during this time, my husband developed an arrhythmia and had to see his doctor. My husband required medication, but was thankfully OK. I was very worried because he was my sole caregiver and I knew caring for me had been very stressful for him. The patient navigator provided more support and suggested that I seek professional counseling about some of my concerns if they persisted and provided information about a support group in my area.
It was reassuring to be able to speak with a professional during recovery. Karen checked on the status of my disability application whenever I inquired about it – I ended up missing about six weeks of work.
Having a patient navigator to assist me with so many decisions, tests and procedures, and supporting me during my recovery made a very anxiety-ridden time much easier for both my
husband and me. Karen’s ability to help coordinate all of my consultations and procedures was instrumental in speeding up my diagnostic and treatment processes, which is so vital when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
I would like to thank Magee for the wonderful treatment my husband and I received. I would especially like to thank Karen for her support and her direction during this difficult time. Not having to stress over the logistics of testing, diagnosis and treatments allowed me to really focus on the issue at hand – battling breast cancer.
Sincerely,
Grateful Patient and Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor
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