Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 7)

in oncology nursing. This year’s conference had more than 3,500 attendees representing 28 countries. As a navigator, Richardson is an educational resource and assists women when they need her most. REASSURANCE FOR THE PATIENT AND HER FAMILY Marsha Richardson (standing) shows breast cancer patient Sarita Sachdev some wig options to help while she undergoes chemotherapy. Sarita Sachdev is married to a doctor, CALL so she’s lived with medicine and healthcare her entire married life. But when Sachdev’s breast cancer diagnosis came earlier this year, she still had fears and concerns. Every woman does. “Marsha introduced herself to me when I was preregistering for surgery,” Sachdev says. “I had my surgery in mid-March, and she came to see me in the hospital If you have been diagright after that.” nosed with breast cancer, Sachdev met with Richardson at the call breast health navigahospital afterward as well. “I visited the tor Marsha Richardson at Cancer Care Boutique on the ﬁfth ﬂoor 321-268-6333, that no one else could share my diagnosis to try on wigs and other special apparel,” ext. 3544. with me, so she called the doctor and left a Sachdev says. “And Marsha also talked message asking him to call me that day so with my daughter, who was understandI wouldn’t have to wait all weekend with ably anxious about me. Marsha was able the uncertainty. Sure enough, he called that night about to answer her questions and allay her con7 p.m. That might not have happened if it weren’t for cerns for my prognosis and recovery.” Marsha’s understanding of my needs.” Richardson guides women through the ins and outs of the process and helps them ﬁgure out what the diagSPECIAL TRAINING nosis means. She even helps them keep track of appointFOR UNIQUE NEEDS ments. She offers immediate education and support after Richardson is specially trained to focus on the unique a breast cancer diagnosis. needs of the women she cares for. She can also idenUNDERSTANDING DURING tify and direct women to local resources and support A DIFFICULT TIME services; be a link between patients, caregivers and Diane Lowry has been a nurse for more than 33 years. the medical team; and is available to answer questions She has always worked with babies in a neonatal unit and and assist in ﬁnding information on breast health and has worked in PMC’s nursery for 15 years. breast cancer. “I really didn’t know anything about breast cancer. I’ve “As a nurse, I immediately wanted to research everynever even had any family members who had it,” Lowry thing,” Lowry says, “and Marsha gave me advice about says. “So even though I am a nurse, this was not my ﬁeld websites where I would get the best, most reliable inforof expertise, and I was uneducated in many ways. mation. That was reassuring. She was always available to “I had my biopsy on a Friday, and my doctor was out of answer my questions and give encouragement during my town at a conference,” Lowry continues. “Marsha knew radiation treatments.” > Need Help Navigating Your Cancer Care? FALL 201 3 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Someone to Guide You
Step It Up
Your Mightiest Muscle
Well, Well, Well
Are You Doing More Harm Than Good?
Is Your Shut-Eye Serving You Well?
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge
Anatomy of an ER Visit
Next-Gen Surgery
Attack from Within
Virtual Health
Community Health
A Love for Helping People
Cruising with a Chronic Condition
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2013 - Parrish Medical Center