Mary Rasmussen, 74, says her cancer navigator was an essential part of her diagnosis, treatment and survivorship journey. Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She was introduced to her cancer navigator, Delois DeShazo, at her first appointment.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” says Mary. “Delois came over, held my hand, gave me a hug and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m here and we’re going to get through this. Any question you have, no matter how trivial or major it seems, you can email, call or text me. I’m here to ease your anxiety.’”
What is a cancer navigator?
For many who are diagnosed with cancer, their cancer navigator is an indispensable part of their care team.
“A cancer navigator is an expert in cancer care who is there to support and guide you and your family when you receive your diagnosis and throughout your treatment,” says Kris Blackley, director of patient navigation at Atrium Health Levine Cancer. “The cancer navigators at Levine Cancer have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, some have a master’s degree and they all have many years of experience in oncology. They also receive training on the role of navigation and the resources available to our patients.”
Cancer navigators meet with patients to determine their needs and how they can best support them. Cancer navigators can:
- Educate and answer questions about your diagnosis, treatment, side effects and survivorship plan.
- Connect you with supportive resources, like nutritionists, counselors, massage therapists and local support agencies.
- Help coordinate appointments, tests, surgeries or therapies.
- Streamline care by communicating on your behalf with your surgeon and oncologists.
- Assist with financial and career-related concerns regarding treatment.
“I often hear from patients and families that their navigator has been a central point of contact and if they ever have questions or are having any obstacles, the navigator is there to help,” says Blackley. “Navigators get to know their patients and families well and advocate for them when needed.”
Mary’s cancer treatment journey
After her diagnosis, Mary underwent six rounds of chemotherapy over the course of almost a year. Then, she received radiation therapy, followed by a lumpectomy and surgery to remove 27 lymph nodes. After completing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, Mary has been taking medication to reduce the risk of regrowth, which she’ll take for a total of five years.
Having a cancer navigator by her side throughout her treatment journey made a significant difference in Mary’s life. She recalls that Delois even visited her during chemotherapy infusions.
“Delois was an angel,” says Mary. “She was there by my side for every single second.”
If Mary had a medical issue or complication, Delois was immediately available to help and connect her with other members of her care team. Delois also called Mary regularly to monitor both her physical and mental health.
“She made sure I was getting better not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally,” says Mary.
Once, Mary had a question about a potential complication post-surgery. She called Delois at 2 a.m., hoping to leave a voicemail that the navigator would receive the next day. Instead, Delois called her back immediately and showed her how to manage the symptoms over a video call.
“There are a ton of people on the cancer team and each is specially trained,” she says. “That’s why I love Atrium Health so much.”
Mary recently celebrated four years cancer-free.
“I’m doing great and all of my tests have come out fine,” she says.
Since Mary’s diagnosis, several of her friends have also been diagnosed with cancer. She encouraged each of them to request a cancer navigator.
“Every single person going through cancer treatment should have a nurse navigator,” says Mary. “You need a Delois on your team. They make a world of difference in how you come through your cancer treatment.”
Patients at Levine Cancer are connected with a cancer navigator before beginning treatment. Navigators also receive referrals from physicians, nurses and social workers. If a patient doesn’t have a navigator, they can request one, adds Blackley.
Learn more about cancer navigator services at Levine Cancer.
