N.C. outreach helps navigate turbulence of illness

By Shirley Mozingo

Correspondent

At age 68, Jerri Hopkins had settled into a picture-perfect retirement lifestyle in Manteo - until October 2008, when a picture of another type revealed a malignancy during her annual mammogram at Regional Medical Center.

"I will never forget those words: 'Unfortunately, you have breast cancer,' " she recalled. "I didn't know where to go, what to do, or where to start to find help or treatment."

Following the advice of friends and family, she decided to seek treatment through the University of North Carolina Health Care system.

"This was the best thing I could have done, because I talked to a medical oncologist there, and she told me about the nurse navigators in Dare County. They were so helpful to me. They arranged my appointments with the local oncologist and went with me to the doctor to help me understand everything going on with my body," Hopkins said.

"The first time we met, we talked for an hour. It made me feel like there was professional help here for me and I didn't have to go through this alone. It was very comforting."

UNC Outreach Nurse Navigators is a pilot program created by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center-N.C. Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill at the request of the Dare County Board of Commissioners.

"We wanted to supplement the already fine doctors and medical facilities we have in Dare County and do something for our people to keep them from traveling great distances to receive quality care, " said Warren Judge, chairman of the county's Board of Commissioners.

The program has evolved into a

collaboration of the county commissioners, the Dare County Department of Health, the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center-N.C. Cancer Hospital, and local health care providers.

The clinic opened May 20, 2008, in the medical office building behind The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head. Since then, local nurse navigators Nancy Easterday and Lynn Mills have guided more than 100 patients through the medical system.

Both are registered nurses with advanced degrees who received extra training from UNC.

Their responsibilities include educating patients and caregivers about cancer, treatments, side effects, medications and options for specialized treatments nationwide. They connect patients to local support groups, social workers and dietitians who can help them manage the consequences of cancer.

Besides giving hands-on assistance with such tasks as scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation and finding wigs and prostheses, they also pass along information about clinical trials, cancer screenings, financial assistance and community health-care resources.

Their goal is to help patients and their caregivers, in whatever way possible, during their journey with cancer.

Their services are available without charge, and the program is not financially underwritten by the county. Its focus is on newly diagnosed cancer patients, especially those who are uninsured; underinsured; living in rural areas; or facing language, cultural or financial barriers. Anyone with a cancer diagnosis may participate, however.

"We're doing this because UNC is committed to making a difference and helping patients have access to the care that is already present here in Dare County," said Jean Sel-lers, oncology nurse and administrative director of the UNC Outreach Nurse Navigator program.

"But if they need more than what is offered in their own backyard, we want to make sure they get it," she said.

"What sets this program apart from other navigation programs is that we have a team of experts behind us."

Sellers said that future plans include offering second opinions and consultations via video conferencing and expanding the program into other counties.

Dorothy Toolan, public information officer for Dare County, said sometimes patients think that the nurse navigators " want to funnel everyone into the UNC system. Certainly that's an option, but they're willing to help with whatever path the patient wants."

"Statistics for certain types of cancer are pretty high here, and we're just trying to help and be the support our people need during that time."

According to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, in 2005 - the last year figures are available - Dare County ranked above the state average in two categories.

In the category of deaths due to all types of cancer, the state average was 22.4 percent; Dare County's was 26.7 percent. Deaths from breast cancer were at 7 percent in the state and 11 percent in Dare County.

Although her breast cancer treatment is over, Hopkins remains in the program.

"The nurse navigators still keep up with me and see if there is anything they can do to help. I think the program is really growing," she said.

"It is exceeding expectations," Sellers added. "I'm amazed by the compassion of this community and the desire to embrace everyone."