Navigating The Cancer Journey

I remember how it felt to be diagnosed with cancer: it was like standing on a rug and having the rug pulled out from under my feet. I was totally off balance as I went from doctors’ appointments to diagnostic tests to treatments, and even though I yearned for stability, it was elusive to me. My balance left me for some time, but fortunately there were helping hands which made it easier to find solid ground and slowly I began to take charge of my health and build my road to healing.

Each one of us navigates the cancer journey in a different way; this increases the challenge of cancer because we travel the journey alone. Fortunately, we need not be lonely, since most of us have a built in support system of family, friends, health care professionals, and service organizations. It is vital to draw on that support system and build it up. I learned that the secret to successful navigation of the cancer journey is to seek as much assistance as you need to help you move forward along the path. Other people want to help you – let them do it.

The results of a study in Ontario showed that many people were overwhelmed not only by the cancer diagnosis, but by the combination of that and the need to navigate the health care system. The study called Up Front: New Perspectives on Breast Cancer was led by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario, and included several major cancer organizations in Canada.

The difference between being overwhelmed, and being able to cope is having the ability to manage on a daily basis and feeling supported by those around you. When I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 1986, I felt so alone as people rarely spoke of breast cancer and it was with a hushed voice when they did. I was fearful about my future. My challenges forced me to seek support as I knew I needed help. I was determined to see my children grow up and the work I had to do was made much easier with assistance from others.

Today, there are many organizations and individuals who advocate for awareness of breast cancer. The power of the internet has made information available to us and there are many options available to health consumers. However, more information and more choices have raised the feeling of overwhelm as people are pulled in many directions and their care may not be coordinated.

The term “navigation” describes the methods used to determine the position and course of a ship or an airplane; now it is being used to describe the course of a person making their way through the health care system when dealing with a major disease. Navigation of the health care system is becoming a requirement for the successful handling of many cancers as they are shifting from being treated as fatal diseases to chronic diseases. People will be living for a longer time which means they will be in the health care system for a longer time as well.

The challenge for the newly diagnosed person with cancer is to make sense of all the options when they are physically, mentally, and emotionally vulnerable. Having a group of trusted support people is invaluable in providing guidance, wisdom, and love. Some hospitals and cancer centers are providing a navigation service to help people find their way on the cancer journey.

A navigator can help to:
• gather relevant information about the diseasen • make sense of diagnostic reportsn • plan doctors visits and prepare questionsn • accompany people to medical appointmentsn • keep records
• organize informationn • enable decision makingn • advocate when necessary

If you or a loved one is facing cancer, it may be beneficial for you to find someone to assist with navigation. Check out the hospital or cancer center to see if this service is available, or find someone in your support system who could take on the role.

There are people who have personal experience and a medical background who offer the services of a coach and navigator. If you think you can benefit from this service, please see my website at: (www.preventcancercoach.com)nnnLynn Roodbol, Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT), Certified Coach (CC)
Wellness Coachnn