Fighting Breast Cancer Can Be Frightening
For women diagnosed with breast cancer, learning how to fight the disease can be an emotional, frightening experience with more questions than answers.
“Studies show that in the first four to six weeks at time of diagnosis, that fear and anxiety of the unknown and uncertainty exist,” said Debbie Lewandowski, director of oncology services at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Memorial. “They never thought it would happen to them. Then reality hits hard, having cancer and what to do next. No one should go through a diagnosis of cancer alone.”
Martin Memorial's Breast Health Navigator Team
Can Help
Martin Memorial's Breast Health Navigator program is designed to assist women who have been recently diagnosed, are already living with breast cancer or have had a recurrence of the disease. The program helps women cope with the anxiety of being diagnosed with cancer, provides information and resources, decreases barriers to services and seeks to expedite access to care.
“For the newly diagnosed person, there’s a fear of cancer,” said Wendy Ryzner, clinical research program coordinator at the cancer center. “We try to alleviate that fear through education and by letting them know there are a lot of resources available, a lot of hope.”
The Breast Health Navigator team answers questions, provides information on insurance or potential resources, and attempts to get the patient access to services as quickly as possible. Patients are followed up on every couple of months, or as needed.
“We help women know what their options are, as the disease is new to many,” said Paulette Craft, clinical oncology social worker at the cancer center. “Navigating the patients through their courses of therapies, tests and treatments offers a valuable support system.”
The free program, which began in April 2005, started with the help of a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Breast Health Navigator team assisted 141 women from April 2005 to March 2006. Because of the program's success, it received another grant from Foundation in early 2006 to continue the program for another year. The program also received generous contributions in 2006 and 2007 from the Harbour Ridge Ladies Golf Association in Palm City.
Breast Health Navigator Services
Our free services include:
- Helping you learn about your diagnosis and its treatment
- Finding resources and support
- Guiding you through the healthcare system
- Helping you feel more in control of your care
- Helping you speak with doctors and staff
- Streamlining and scheduling appointments
The Breast Health Navigator Team
The Breast Health Navigator team consists of:
- Carolyn McDonald, registered nurse, oncology certified nurse and breast health navigator
- Paulette Craft, clinical oncology social worker
How to Get Help
You may refer yourself (just give us a call), or ask your physician to refer you.
Contact Us
Breast Health Navigator Program
Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center
501 E. Osceola St.
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 223-5945, ext. 3774