Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.
It’s hard to repeat that sentence without the melodic tune echoing in your head. In elementary school, we all learned about Christopher Columbus’s famous expeditions in which he was given credit for “discovering” America. Columbus led four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. How did he know, or not know, where to sail? He used navigation. Navigation is defined as “the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route”. Prior to electronic navigation gadgets which currently fill our pockets men dedicated their lives to study and understand the land and water using paper maps and compasses.
Compared to breast cancer survivors, Columbus had it easy. Navigating the breast cancer journey is challenging. Behind every breast cancer survivor, you will likely find a strong support system that stood by her during some of the most difficult periods of her life. Friends and family members often join the navigation effort armed with internet searches, meals prepared with love, rides to appointments, and shoulders to cry on. These caregivers help survivors regain a sense of normalcy, provide emotional stability, and even improve the chances of a better outcome.
November is the month in which we recognize and honor family members and caregivers across the country. National Family Caregivers Month provides an opportunity to not only celebrate these treasured individuals, but to also educate communities, raise awareness of issues caregivers may face and increase support for the caregivers. The role of a supportive caregiver is one of the most important components for the emotional recovery of a breast cancer patient. Without these individuals, many cancer survivors would feel lost.
However, being a caregiver isn’t without its own challenges. While being a caregiver can be incredibly fulfilling, it can also be stressful and cause fatigue and feelings of guilt. It can be overwhelming to work to find a balance between your own needs and the needs of a loved one with cancer. Often the individual’s role is redefined when becoming a caregiver. It is important for the caregiver to remember to also care for themselves.
If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others. It is ok to ask for help!
In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a “war on cancer” by signing the Cancer Act. Almost 20 years later, Dr. Harold Freeman started a navigation program that identified barriers to timely care. Through navigation, Freeman was able to identify potential barriers that might delay or prevent a woman from accessing proper care. Recognizing the importance of navigation, President George H. Bush signed into law the “Patient Navigator and Chronic Disease Prevention Act”. This public law allowed federal grants to be used to develop and provide navigation programs.
During Columbus’ journeys, he likely encountered some dangerous conditions. Bad weather, disease, and financial constraints threatened his success. In order to complete his journey, he had to overcome these barriers. Breast cancer survivors face barriers and nurse navigators are trained to understand, identify, and eliminate these barriers. Nurse navigators coordinate timely movement through the multiple steps in the survivorship journey. If you or a loved one are navigating through cancer, reach out to find a nurse navigator to join your team. Remember that it is ok to receive assistance from others that are willing to help.
Find resources within the community and become informed. Feeling informed can help alleviate uncertainties and worry.
We want to say thank you to all the unsung heroes that can be found behind every breast cancer survivor for the selfless support that you provide. Your willingness to put others’ needs before your own is an irreplaceable gift.
Magnolia Breast Center – The Trusted Choice for Breast Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Southwest Florida
Breast cancer is a serious, life-threatening disease that must be detected and treated as soon as possible. Whether you want to know your risk of developing cancer, get yourself checked for cancer, or get treated for cancer, the experts at Magnolia Breast Center can help you.
We have extensive experience in treating breast cancer patients – including highly complicated cases and patients with an advanced stage of cancer. We can determine the severity of your condition, take your unique needs and preferences into account, and devise a customized treatment plan to achieve a positive outcome.
Call our dedicated breast care center today at 239-758-PINK (7465) or contact us online and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced breast surgeons.
239.758.PINK (7465)
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