Patient navigator guides women through breast cancer journeyby Cindy Ward (ward@wsbt.com)
Eva Kourlas, patient navigator for Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center's Cancer Institute, works to guide Mary Jo Hayden through the health care process. (WSBT photo) SOUTH BEND — You've probably seen a lot of pink this month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. MultimediaRelated Content
Every month we are reminding you and your Pink Pack Pal to do a breast self-exam. Finding the cancer early is important. If you find something, having someone to help you navigate the health care system can make all the difference. Just as music is used to soothe cancer patients, finding out you don't have to fight the disease alone can ease the burden. Mary Jo Hayden knew she had to be her own angel, but she didn't want to walk alone in her fight against breast cancer. "Once I found Eva everything started falling into place," said Hayden. Eva Kourlas is a patient navigator — a nurse who will share the journey through breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. "One thing I like to do is keep track of where patients are with their level of distress," stated Kourlas. The fear of the unknown is overwhelming at first. Hayden added, "I felt so very lost and I was getting everything piecemeal. This doctor said this. This doctor's saying that." Answering questions and listening is the core of patient navigation in breast cancer. Kourlas says everyone moves through it differently. Hayden needed to feel in control. "She helped me to realize that I was in control. She gave me lots of information to help me decide for myself what I wanted to do," said Hayden. So as Hayden faces her 20 weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, her prognosis is excellent. "I'm in control," Hayden added. Kourlas says it's tough not to get emotionally involved. "I've been a nurse a long time and it's very sad sometimes. It can be very sad when you lose patients," she said. "But it's also a privilege. It's a privilege to take care of people. They're very inspiring." So as some use music to calm their fears, Hayden wants breast cancer patients to know there's also Eva. "Everyone needs an Eva," she said. Kourlas started working with breast cancer patients earlier this year at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in the Cancer Institute. You can contact her there. She hopes all doctors' offices will also recommend her services to their patients. Remember, we've partnered with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center to bring you the Pink Pack program. Here's how it works: You pick a friend to be your Pink Pack Pal. Then you request a Pink Pack. You'll get a breast self-exam guide, a pen and a kitchen magnet — one for you and one for your Pink Pack Pal. We'll remind you on the 22nd of every month to call your Pink Pal and remind her to do her breast self-exam. And remember to do yours the same day. Early detection saves lives. Become a member of the Pink Pack right away — it could save a life. Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
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Sun, Nov 22
South Bend
