Breast Health Navigation Team:
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BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BELL
s women, we are constantly reminded about specific aspects of our health. There are messages everywhere. We’ve been told to keep an eye on “our numbers” to keep heart disease in check, to screen regularly for HPV or to listen closely to those “silent whispers” of ovarian cancer. The most prominent symbol among all health reminders, without a doubt, is that pink ribbon. It’s unmistakable and hard to miss. It’s breast cancer, but what does this really mean? It might be a disease that has affected millions of women (and even some men) but what do we as women really know about it? Do we absolutely know how to do a self-exam on our breasts? Do we know what “normal” really is when it comes to breast health? Lastly, when do we truly know (and admit) that we need help? If your answers varied to those questions, it’s OK. While we may tend to be caregivers and put others first, it also is important to put our personal health in perspective. Since our selfless acts come first, where do we turn for guidance when something about our breast health just isn’t right? One strong crew that comes to mind in the Central New York community is the Breast Health Navigation Team at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.
THE TEAM & ITS EXPERTISE Crouse’s Breast Health Center has created a trio of breast patient nurse navigators. Their title means exactly that. They are three women you will meet if indeed breast cancer is your diagnosis. They’re going to be there every step of the way, and will be available to meet with any woman that has any questions or concerns about her breast health care. The team members, Mary Butler, Margaret Bottino and Laura Rose, are certified radiology nurses specializing in mammography. They’re certified to perform Clinical Breast Examinations on any woman that requests an examination. “We are called to attend to any woman that has an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound examination,” Mary said. “We explain to them what the concern is and what the next step is that the radiologist has recommended.” From there, the team notifies the physician of the results and sets up an appointment for further imaging procedures, biopsy or office visit with a surgeon. “Most important as a navigator we reassure the woman that we will be there with them for each step it takes to resolve the issue,” Mary said. Foremost, the team’s commitment is to treat each woman as an individual with specific needs and concerns related to her own life. “We literally stand right next to them during their biopsies,” Mary said. “We offer our hands for them to hold for support throughout the entire procedure.” MARY BUTLER For 14 years, Mary worked in Crouse’s Medical Imaging Department as a radiology nurse, and then she worked for the radiologists in their private offices for 13 years. As a radiology nurse, she had many personal patient experiences because she was associated with the Mammography Follow Up Program. This
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program is mandated to insure every person having a mammogram is notified of the results and receives the necessary follow up. Mary came to the Crouse Breast Health Center four years ago. It was then that Butler began performing MRI breast biopsies, clinical breast examinations and her nurse navigating roles were expanded. “We have established working relationships with primary care physicians, surgeons, oncologists and pathologists,” Mary said. “This allows us as navigators to further individualize the care for each woman and create a partnership between the woman and the health care team.” As a breast patient nurse navigator, Mary is a part of an important process many women must unfortunately experience. “We do get to see these women on a continuing basis,” Mary said. “One of the goals of a breast health center is to see a woman when they come back every year for their mammogram following their breast cancer treatment.” The attention to post breast cancer treatment is extremely crucial to future breast cancer health. Working so closely with her fellow navigators and the women they serve has made Mary appreciate the powerful relationships that have been created through something as daunting as breast cancer. “It is an honor to work with a group of people who are all so aware and dedicated to the cause of helping woman achieve the best breast health care,” Mary said. “Everyone is always willing to take the time to stop and listen to concerns.” Although breast cancer has not touched her or her relatives, there are multiple cancers that are prevalent in her family. “Having been personally involved with family members and friends experiencing many types of cancers I am able to relate to the initial uncertainty and stress involved with this diagnosis.” This has helped her to stay focused on the most important part of care, which is sincerity. Mary lives in Syracuse with her husband and two children. MARGARET BOTTINO Since 1975, Margaret has been a practicing registered nurse at Crouse Hospital. She has worked in several avenues of health including the Neuro Surgical and Cardio Pulmonary ICU where she spent five years. She also worked for Dr. John Gullo’s oncology practice where she assisted in his office with patients receiving chemotherapy treatments and following their post infusion care. Margaret has also been a member of the Crouse IV team. In 1982, she became the second Interventional Radiology Nurse at Crouse Hospital working alongside her now fellow navigator Mary Butler. In 2000, a position for a Registered Nurse Case Manager in the Breast Center became available. Margaret took this position and has since been involved in changing and updating this role as breast technology has evolved. Women’s needs also have changed based on new procedures. With this evolution the title of this position has changed to breast patient nurse navigator. Margaret calls the navigation crew a “dynamic team” for evident reasons. “Each navigator on our team is capable of performing exams and teaching the skills involved with breast self exam and breast awareness,” she said. “We are called to interact with any woman (or man) who has questions regarding breast health, an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound or a lump.”
syracuseWomanMag.com :: may 2012
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