Breast cancer can be scary and confusing, both for those diagnosed and for their friends and family. It’s important to have a strong support network to help with the physical and emotional demands of the disease. Remember, you are not alone. There are many support services available to assist you on this journey, including:
- 1-877 GO KOMEN, a free breast care helpline offering professional support services to anyone with breast health and breast cancer concerns, including breast cancer patients and their families.
- The Co-Survivor section of Komen’s national website, where friends and family members can share tips and advice, and read personal stories from others who have been in similar situations.
The Bosom Buddies is a group of survivors who are dedicated advocates and activists. Our mission is to help each other, newly diagnosed women and men and work for positive change in our communities to improve education, screening and treatment. We meet every other Tuesday at the Cookeville Bank of Putnam County Financial Services Building on Jefferson Ave at 4:00. All survivors are welcome to join us. For more info contact info@komenuppercumberland.org.
Erin Young, RN is a dedicated Breast Health Navigator at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She is available to help newly diagnosed patients understand all of their treatment options and to help smooth their way through the system. Erin may be reached at 931-646-2922, or eyoung@crmchealth.org.
“In my role as nurse navigator I will bring together all facets of care for breast cancer patients. I am here as a patient advocate and a health professional helping patients navigate through the health care system. I am here to help overcome personal barriers to treatment, to provide education, to help develop questions that you should ask the doctor specific to your diagnosis, and to lend emotional support. I will be there from day one to year five.”
Trish Vaughn, RN is Nurse Navigator at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. (931) 484-9511, extension 7030. tvaughn@cmchealthcare.org.
“As the Nurse Navigator at Cumberland Medical Center, my role is to assist patients with navigating through the health care system related to breast healthcare. I am a Registered Nurse working in the Case Management/Social Services Department. I am here as a patient advocate. I will assist patients in overcoming barriers to treatments, financial matters, transportation, communicating with healthcare providers, coordinating appointments for timely delivery of services, and referral to support programs and resources. My role additionally includes providing education and emotional support for patients as well as their family members, serving as a liaison between the patient and various healthcare providers. I will keep in contact with patients while they are receiving care and will track their progress. Please feel free to contact me at CMC”.
