Personal guidance for women with breast cancer

A diagnosis of breast cancer begins a process of consultations with various medical specialists to determine the best possible care.

Yet, according to cancer nurse specialist Jennifer Vickerman, R.N., a woman often is on her own to sort out appointments, information and opinions.

“Women with breast cancer usually are trying to coordinate between three to four professionals including an oncologist, surgeon and possibly a plastic surgeon,” Vickerman said.

“Each physician group they meet may offer different treatment options and advice, so having one point person to help provide continuity can be essential.”

That’s the idea behind a new program at Mills-Peninsula that provides personal medical guidance from diagnosis through treatment, she said.

“Modeled on our Cancer Care Management Program that helps high risk cancer patients with education, resources, support and symptom management, this new program will focus on the specific needs of women with breast cancer.”

The help begins at diagnosis,
Vickerman said. “One of our nurse specialists will contact each woman and arrange an appointment. We’ll talk about the diagnosis, answer any questions, help arrange appointments and direct her to community support services,” she said. The cancer nurse specialist will then be available for help throughout treatment.

Vickerman suggests three things a person can do when she learns she has cancer:

  • Identify one or many support persons. “Don’t be afraid to ask those around you to help during this time,” she said.
  • Identify reputable sources of information such as national organizations, books, libraries and health care professionals.
  • Start a question list. “Keep a sheet of paper handy to jot down questions as they arise. Bring it to appointments, and make sure you get all questions answered. You may also want to leave room to jot down the answer.”

    More suggestions are adapted to fit each person’s coping style, resources, etc., Vickerman said.

    “Sometimes a woman needs someone to help make sense of the whole picture or to point out questions she should be asking the different specialists,” Vickerman said. “Sometimes they need to be put in touch with people in the community who can help with research, specialty products such as breast prostheses, wigs or exercise programs, for example.”

    The goal of the program is to lend additional coordination to services that already exist for people with cancer, Vickerman said.

    “We hope the one-on-one guidance for women with breast cancer will ease the process and provide added support in managing their care.”
    For more information, contact the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center at (650) 696 4487.