ANDREA HORNING HELPS PATIENTS NAVIGATE THEIR CANCER JOURNEYS

When you’re in unfamiliar territory, it’s good to find a guide.

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel like entering unfamiliar territory. That’s why Andrea Horning works as a patient navigator at the Essentia Health Cancer Center in Fargo. Her only job is to offer help and support to patients diagnosed with breast, lung or colorectal cancer.

“I tell patients that I’m their advocate,” Horning said. “I’m your go-to person and I’m here to make life easier for you. There’s so much for a patient and family to take in. I want to help take any of that stress away.”

Horning often meets people right after they have received a diagnosis. She calls to let them know about her services and lends a listening ear. Sometimes she meets them in person at their first appointment with an oncologist or surgeon.

Kathy Dahlsad of Fargo describes herself as “pretty shell-shocked” when she received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013. A routine exam and mammogram discovered a lump in her left breast.

“Andrea was on the scene pretty quick and she told me she could help me in all kinds of ways,” Dahlsad recalled. “She also told me I could call her any time.”

Horning answers questions and provides information in a way that patients and their families can understand. The patient navigator also meets with them before appointments so she can understand what information they need from the doctor or what concerns they have. During appointments, Horning can help guide the conversation.

“Patients can hear one thing -- good or bad -- in an appointment and then they hear nothing more,” Horning explained. “Each person is so different and each family dynamic is so different. That’s why I like to be there because I can listen closely and remind them what was said.”

Dahlsad said Horning helped her make decisions as she had a mastectomy, then chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Not one for internet research, Dahlsad appreciated that her patient navigator explained what to expect each step of the way. Her treatments were successful.

“Andrea kept Kathy calm and alleviated her fear,’’ said Dave Dahlsad, Kathy’s husband. “There are a lot of uncertainties and Andrea guided Kathy through that.”

Dave said Dahlsad had to make some dif- ficult decisions about her treatments and Horning was there with information and emotional support. “There’s so much information and so much going on, but Andrea helped keep us focused on what’s happening now,” he said. “You don’t know how to get the right answer if you’re not asking the right question. Andrea helped Kathy ask the right questions.”

Horning is an experienced registered nurse with special training in caring for people with cancer. She’s worked in cancer care for nine years, including time in the chemotherapy center.

Horning helps educate patients and their families about diagnoses and treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She answers questions so patients can better understand their options and make the best decisions for themselves. Other ways the patient navigator helps include:

• Make and coordinate appointments.

• Accompany patients to appointments.

• Help fill out paper work for employers or insurance companies.

• Connect a patient and family with community resources that can help, such as getting a wig, buy ing prosthesis or meeting living expenses while unerdergoing treatment.

• Provide emotional support.

“I love helping my patients,” Horning said. “I tell them to not be afraid to call me. They can rely on me to be there. And I’m here to take care of the whole person, not just his or her cancer.”

Horning wants to make a difference for patients and help them on their cancer journey. “I’ve held hands. I’ve prayed with them,” she said. “Anything that can make them feel more comfortable with the decision they’ve made.”

Horning said she has learned much from her patients. “I’m a better person, a better nurse because of my patients,” she said. “They’ve taught me ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff.’ ”

To reach Andrea, call her at (701) 364-3430.