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D A I L Y
Sunday, October 24, 2010
H E R A L D
Nurse specialist offers comfort, education to patients After being at her husband’s side when he received a leukemia diagnosis, Jodi Trost knows the importance of having someone to turn to when the treatments, therapies and doctor visits seem completely overwhelming. “We could call her [nurse specialist] if we had any questions about anything. We benefited from having a coordinator and I feel like I’m giving back now,” said Trost, a registered nurse who has served for the past year as the breast cancer nurse specialist at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Women meet Trost once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Four or five new patients a week receive her introduction letter that explains how her only job is to support them and their families through the experience. Over the past year, Trost has worked with more than 200 women from throughout Utah County and surrounding areas. “There’s a lot — too many
really,” Trost says. After their initial introduction, Trost contacts each patient about every two weeks throughout her treatment and recovery. She confirms they’re making their appointments and answers questions about what comes next. She also connects them with other resources when needed, such as a financial assistance counselor or the hospital’s lymphedema clinic. “Education is probably the most important thing I do. They can call me anytime,” said Trost. Physicians sometimes throw terms around, but the patients don’t really understand everything. It’s helpful to have perspective on everything. I hold their hand throughout treatment.” Trost also helps breast cancer patients access the American Cancer Society Gift Closet, which is actually located in her office at the hospital. The closet contains a variety of free items that any cancer patient can access such as wigs, hats, bras, camisoles,
This mother of prosthetics and four feels a special pillows. All items are connection with the donated or purchased women she serves by the American because of her Cancer Society. husband’s experience Another part with cancer. After a of Trost’s job as three-year battle against breast cancer nurse leukemia, Steve passed specialist is to help away in May from facilitate the two complications after a support groups that take place at the bone marrow transplant. hospital. One occurs “Through Steve, I Jodi Trost is the nurse on the first Tuesday lived through a cancer specialist who helps of every month from breast cancer patients. experience. I know 6:30-8 p.m. and the what it’s like to get that other takes place on news so it gives us a the third Thursday of every month common bond right from the start. That common thread helps me from 10:30 a.m.-noon. A social relate to our patients,” said Trost. worker from Utah Valley Regional But having a personal cancer assists Trost with both groups. experience isn’t a prerequisite to “Everybody reacts so differently supporting a woman who is battling to getting cancer. Some are completely overwhelmed by it and breast cancer. Trost said most some are ready to attack it and get women just want their friends and family to be there for them and on with life. Women can get over treat them like a normal person. it and live a whole, full life. It is a For more information, please call treatable disease especially if you Jodi Trost at (801) 357-8767. catch it early,” said Trost.
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