Delivering the news of a positive biopsy for breast cancer or any other
form of cancer is a difficult job, and even more difficult for the patient
receiving the news. Delivering that message, together with a radiologist,
is part of the Cancer Nurse Navigator’s role at Catawba Valley Medical
Center (CVMC). Once a radiologist confirms a cancer diagnosis, nurse navigator
Crystal Deese, BSN, RN, OCN, assumes the role of helping the patient coordinate
appointments and questions for the specialists he or she needs to consult
with throughout the cancer treatment journey.
Brenda Putnam, Breast Health Specialist in CVMC’s
Community Cancer Resource Center, often meets patients for the first time as they are in the surgery center
preparing for a procedure, or when they come to the resource center looking
for more information about their diagnosis and options. As a breast cancer
survivor of more than 30 years, Brenda has seen a lot of changes in protocols,
treatments and success rates, especially in her 18 years at CVMC.
Both Crystal and Brenda serve important roles in patients’ journeys
with treating cancer and the changes the illness brings to their lives.
Each patient has his or her own unique journey, but Crystal and Brenda
understand the emotions and stress common in just about all patients.
“We speak a lot about ‘baby steps’ in the process,”
said Crystal. “It means the patient needs to take the journey one
step at a time. Worrying about what is going to happen down the road just
adds to the emotions and stress, which are already so elevated. It’s
comforting to be confident in telling patients they’re in good hands
right here at home, and that the care available at CVMC is nationally
recognized and accredited.”
Brenda added, “Not only do we help them with understanding the clinical
part of their journey, we offer them a monthly support group of their peers (Hearts of Hope), connections to things they may need, like wigs, and we even can assist
their personal support system in understanding the journey of their loved
one. Crystal and I work as a team, often focused on reassuring or encouraging
patients in their time of need.”
In sharing such a personal situation, the two often form bonds with the
patients they help. Many are willing to share their own experience with
new patients through the support group. “It’s most important
for patients to never feel they are alone,” said Crystal, “and
above all else, we try to give them HOPE.”
Hearts of Hope Support Group is for any person who has, or has had cancer. The meetings provide support
and information on cancer related topics. Survivors share common bonds
and come together to celebrate life as they learn, share, grow, laugh
and cry together. Cancer survivors may still have lots of questions even
though their treatments may be over. Please join us and feel free to call
the number listed below for any questions you may have. We feel honored
to walk beside you on this journey.