Cancer Services has a registered nurse dedicated to helping
patients with breast or gynecological cancer find answers and
feel supported. The nurse serves as a case manager who helps
oversee patients' care. She also provides information and
support to help patients better adapt to their disease. The
case management staff ensures patients have access to community
agencies and local, regional, state and national resources.
Services of the patient navigator program include:
- Educational information about benign and malignant
diseases, treatments and side-effects management
- Information on the pros and cons of treatment
options
- Emotional support to patients and families
- Resources for physical and psychosocial support
- Assistance with eliminating barriers to care
- Assistance with illness adaptation
Meet Debra Mascarenhas, RN - Nurse Case
Manager
Debra first meets a patient when they are diagnosed and
stays close to the patient when the physician explains what
will happen next. She received her nursing degree from East
Carolina University and has been providing care to patients
with cancer at PCMH for the past 10 years. Debra monitors about
60 patients at once, most of whom are under the age of 40.
She stays with patients throughout the process and provides
education on support programs to help patients cope. "I am
a familiar face that helps patients feel more comfortable when
they are going through something life changing," Debra
says.
For more information about the patient navigator program,
call PCMH Cancer Services at 252-847-7867.