Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano

A Story Of A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey And The Friend Who Walked By Her Side

CANCER – the dreaded “C” word.  It’s something you hear about from your friends and family, or read about in the paper – but you never think about it being “your cancer.”

Being told that you have cancer can be incredibly life changing.  The word cancer sparks in most a reaction of both fear and stress.  The diagnosis of cancer begins a journey that can be overwhelming, frightening and confusing.  In a single sentence a person’s life can be brought to a screeching halt.   Suddenly, a new course has been charted in an unfamiliar language of medical terms and treatments options. 

“There I was, minding my own business, taking care of business like annual physicals and mammograms,” says Gigi Steele, a breast cancer survivor. “I had no history of breast cancer in the family, and I had no high risk factors for breast cancer, so, essentially I wasn’t worried about getting cancer.” 

But then Steele received a report that there was an area on her mammogram that warranted additional imaging.

“I had a biopsy to help get an accurate diagnosis – it came back cancer,” says Steele. “I immediately had to associate the word cancer with myself rather than just others I had helped as a cancer nurse for more than 40 years.”

As a former nurse, Gigi understood that the journey of cancer treatment is a path that should never be walked alone.  In addition to her loving family helping her through this difficult time, Gigi was able to connect with Betsy Booth, an oncology nurse navigator at Baylor Plano who offers comfort and assistance to cancer patient and their families.

“During the difficult times, I offer quiet support or simply hold a hand,” says Booth. “I also embrace moments of victory and share in celebration of overcoming obstacles or receiving good news.”  Booth is equipped to assist patients with education, emotional support, support services, and of course, plenty of hugs.

Steele and her husband met with the surgeon and came up with a plan to treat the cancer that included lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy and Mammosite radiation. But hearing all of these medical words left Gigi confused and wondering, what did this actually mean?

As an oncology nurse navigator, Betsy is able to assist patients and their families in answering questions or clarifying information, as well as getting connected with physicians and hospital staff, community services, and support groups.  “By understanding each person’s unique concerns and challenges I am better able to meet each one at their individual point of need and introduce them to our dedicated team of specialists and numerous oncology programs that can best meet that need,” says Booth.

“Betsy helped me to feel very assured that I was in the best hands and had a plan for my cancer,” says Steele. “She helped increase my confidence and the confidence of my family.”

Family and friends are such an important part of a patient’s support during cancer treatment.  Baylor oncology nurse navigation offers education and support not only to the patient facing cancer treatment but to their loved ones as well.  The navigation program embraces the entire family and offers support programs, educational classes and orientations prior to hospitalization. 

“As a former nurse, I thought I knew the ups and downs that I would experience along the journey,” says Gigi. “Betsy helped me realize that I was the patient this time rather than the nurse and helped me process and overcome some of my greatest fears.”

Gigi had the opportunity to meet with Betsy before her procedures and hospital stay. “Every family has different concerns, most pressing questions, and needs,” says Booth. “In Gigi’s case I was able to provide her with specific information on her breast cancer diagnosis and just offer support.  Other patients and families also like to take a personal tour of our facility and meet our dedicated staff who will care for them during their stay.” 

Upon a patient’s arrival at Baylor Plano, Booth continues to assist through visits during the patient’s hospital stay and by offering support. “I assist in connecting patients with hospital staff and programs that may assist them in their journey,” says Booth.

“Treatment for cancer has come such a long way in the last 30 years, and I’m grateful to Betsy and all those who helped care for me during my cancer journey and gave me the ability to continue living a full and thriving life,” says Steele.

For more information on the oncology nurse navigator services offered at Baylor Plano, please visit BaylorHealth.com/PlanoCancer.