Taking care of the emotional side of cancer

We have an event occuring, just two weeks from now, in Lewis County. I often encourage my patients to attend these events because many of them are juggling work, families, financial stress, and on top of it all, have a cancer diagnosis. Many patients do not have the time to join a monthly support group. This one night is another way that we can provide an evening of support without the monthly commitment.

I know that you are continually reminded to take care of the physical side of cancer, but, we need to also focus on the emotional side.

If you know anyone who will benefit from this free event (including yourself or a loved one) please share this post and invite them.

Living with and beyond cancer: An evening of resources, support and connection

Cancer can take a toll physically. It can also shake up your emotions, relationships, spiritual beliefs, finances and more. Providence Regional Cancer System invites you to a free information session to help you cope with the many aspects of cancer. Cobie Whitten, PhD, has extensive experience working with cancer patients. As the session leader, she’ll provide information, resources and support for people at all points along the cancer journey. Patients, family members and friends are all welcome. View Flyer >>

• Tuesday, May 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence Centralia Hospital, Basement Classroom
• Tuesday, June 11, 6:30-8 pm. Providence St. Peter Hospital, 200 Rooms
• Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence Centralia Hospital, Basement Classroom
• Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Providence St. Peter Hospital, 200 Rooms

Call (360) 493-7576 to register or visit www.provregister.org for one of these free events.

Breast cancer patient navigator achieves nationwide status

Andrea receives her certification at the NCBC Conference as a breast navigator in Imaging and Cancer Care. Pictured with Karry Trout of Mason General Hospital, who is the Diagnostic Imaging Breast Navigator and who also received her certification.Editor's Note: We are excited to announce that Andrea Potter, our breast cancer patient navigator, has earned certification through the National Consortium of Breast Centers in the fields of Imaging and Cancer Care.

The Breast Patient Navigator Certification Program is a certification that has been developed by a peer review team of the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The purpose of this certification is to set standards of achievement and the professional's role; enhance patient safety, quality of care and delivery of services; and recognize professionals who advance beyond basic knowledge in a field of specialty.

What does that mean for me, the patient?
Moving a patient through a breast care/cancer continuum is a complex and highly individualized process. The complexity is significantly reduced with the assistance of an individual who is trained to navigate a patient through the processes of care, often referred to as a breast patient navigator. However, just as the breast care/cancer diagnosis and treatment process may differ from facility to facility, so do the definitions, activities, knowledge and job descriptions of a breast patient navigator. These disparities can adversely affect the breast care/cancer treatment provided to women across the nation and around the world. In an effort to minimize and eventually eliminate the variances in a breast patient's continuum of care and the definition/function of a breast patient navigator providing care within that continuum, the NCBC created this program.

In plain terms:

• I was able to network directly with Breast Navigators all over the country meaning I learned about new information for Breast Cancer patients. From radiology equipment, lab testing, treatments, and more!
• New information brought back from the conference has allowed me to build and re-outline my program so that I may be able to navigate more patients than previously done so that less women may "fall through the cracks".
• I am now a member of the NCBC which will allow me to continue networking with other navigators from a distance.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please call at 360.493.4746.