Issue No. 23 / Spring 2011
In this issue
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Director’s Corner Radiation Oncology pioneers leading-edge technology Inpatient Oncology Unit offers 24-hour expectional care and support Specialized rehabilitation now available
cancer update Care Management team backs high school coach in his battle with cancer Tom Hogan is a tough, athletic type, who loves his high school coaching and teaching career. When colorectal cancer sidelined him temporarily last year, the Cancer Care Management team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center supported him all the way as he fought to get back in the game. “At first I was hardheaded and wanted to do everything myself,” Hogan recalls. “But I didn’t realize how a cancer diagnosis and treatment can weigh heavily on you.” At the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, case workers and other professionals guide patients through treatment. “Meeting my nurse navigator was one of the best things that could have happened,” Hogan says. After years of suffering from irritable bowel symptoms, Hogan developed a rectal tumor diagnosed as stage III rectal cancer. Immediate surgery was required to remove the tumor. Seven weeks of radiation and months of chemotherapy followed to knock out any remaining cancer cells.
Tom Hogan relies on multidisciplinary care from the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
His nurse navigator, Marlene Brown, RN, BSN, OCN, facilitated Hogan’s care through the Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Clinic, helping to explain his treatment, answering questions, coordinating appointments and referrals – and, most importantly, calming his anxiety. In addition to the latest medical treatment and sphincter-sparing surgery, Hogan says he received the emotional support he needed to meet the challenges ahead. “Having my nurse navigator was critical to keeping my brain focused on healing and not on all the little worries that kept popping up,” he says. “Whenever I had a question or concern, I’d call Marlene first, and she would always get me an answer.” (continued on back page)