Patients overwhelmed with a cancer diagnosis want comprehensive care close to home, but may feel that they must to travel out of the region to find the resources they need. The Providence Regional Cancer System, with facilities in Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties, not only has a network that rivals the high-quality standards a patient could find in a large metropolitan area or university hospital, it also has dedicated people working together to coordinate cancer care, making sure that patients receive the best treatment for their specific case.
“We have incredible resources available in Thurston County. Most of the treatments and surgery can be done locally, and we have wonderful, personable, and highly qualified physicians,” said Andrea Potter, RN, CBPN-IC, Breast Cancer Patient Navigator for Providence.
Breast Cancer Patient Navigator: Guides and Educates Patients
As Breast Cancer Patient Navigator, Andrea is the glue that connects the medical team. They collaborate, discuss cases, and learn from each other. Dedicated people, like Andrea, are working together to coordinate cancer care, making sure that patients receive the best treatment for their specific case. Andrea also connects breast cancer patients at Providence with the resources that are available to them, and in Thurston County there are extensive resources. “If a patient receives a diagnosis that is highly suspicious, I work with them from that point on to get them to biopsy, then to surgery. I help them become their own advocate and I advocate for them as well. I connect with the patient, and then am able to see where they need help, and then stay connected with them through the process until they are at a comfortable point in their specific treatment,” she said.
Thurston County Cancer Resources: Education, Counseling and Support Needs
Andrea has a vast knowledge of the resources that a patient can access. In Thurston County, for example, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has a progra, where trained patient volunteers, usually those out of treatment for a full year, are matched with a patient who is a similar age and who has had a similar type of cancer. “They are available to meet for coffee and talk at a time scheduled at their convenience,” Andrea said.
“ACS also offers a program called Road to Recovery, which coordinates volunteers who have been trained to provide rides to patients who have no other way to get to appointments. This is donated time and use of their cars and it is free. Many people don’t want to be a burden to their family, yet don’t qualify for Dial-A-Ride,” Andrea said.
Andrea also encourages patients to take advantage of the free educational events offered by Providence, like Cancer 101 orientation dinners. Visit www.provcancer.org for a full schedule.
Integrative Cancer Therapy
Another program that Andrea advocates is the Integrative Cancer Care program at Providence. “The doctors are in charge of adding years to your life. The program’s goal is to add “life” to those years,” said Andrea. “It is a wonderful, comprehensive program that assists patients to return to function,” said Andrea. The focus of the program is prevention, wellness, and education. A naturopath comes to them once a week; there is acupuncture at the facility, oncology massage, and yoga. All of these services are provided by professionals who have had specific oncology training so they can safely treat a patient who is going through cancer treatment. Outpatient counseling is available as well. Oncology Social Worker Karen Buckley can provide three free visits to any patient going through a cancer diagnosis to the patient and their families. “A lot of these services are available to everyone, not just breast cancer patients,” Andrea said.
A diagnosis of breast cancer is overwhelming. The Providence Regional Cancer Team, including Andrea, is available to work with patients to provide education, guidance, and support, and to enhance the care and quality of life for each breast cancer patient during a difficult time. “It could be any of us,” she said.
