A compassionate guide through breast cancer
Written by Facing Cancer Together
Lynn Fantom, an oncology nurse navigator at Lancaster General Health, has been helping cancer patients, mainly breast cancer patients, for 8 years. She loves being able to help a person navigate their physical and emotional concerns after a cancer diagnosis. “I learn from each patient. They give me inspiration and courage every day to do what I do, and make me realize that there’s nothing in life you can’t handle… you can face this.”
After a woman or man hears for the first time that they have breast cancer, Lynn steps in to offer help and guidance throughout their entire journey with cancer. From making appointments, to providing support financially, physically or psychologically, she’s there from beginning. And, she will continue to provide whatever support is needed the entire way through and even years after treatment ends depending on the person’s needs.Lynn says, “When someone hears that they have breast cancer for the first time, they’re devastated. But if I tell them, ‘that’s the worst thing you’re gonna hear all day, now lets focus on positives,’ that makes it so much better.”
She adds, “We’re able to help them in dealing with how to tell people you have breast cancer. And the first question a lot of people have is ‘Am I gonna die?’” She works to put that fear to rest and reassure the patient that there is a great team there working to take care of you during this time.
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Nurse navigators not only treat the patient, but they treat families as well. She says that a lot of families feel helpless like they don’t know how to help their loved one.One of Lynn’s patients was breast cancer survivor Lori Rineer, who says “I had an excellent nurse navigator. I don’t know how I’d get through the journey without her. She was a great support, and could answer any of my questions and concerns.” Lori says, “She’s still a great friend to this day.”
Lynn says, “I want people to know that we’re continuing to make strides every day and hopefully someday… there will be a cure.”
Did a nurse navigator help you through your own journey with cancer? What role did they play in your cancer care? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
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