Medical City Healthcare | Take Care | Spring 2019

For Anne Diamond of Fairview, Texas, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know where to go,” she said. After having her mam- mogram and biopsy at Solis Mammography at Medical City Plano , Anne was relieved to be immediately referred to a medical professional who could guide her through the complex and often frightening ordeal ahead. Laurie Tauriainen, RN, is a Medical City Healthcare/ Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute breast cancer navi- gator working with patients at both Plano and Medical City McKinney . She had seen that Nurse navigators look in Anne’s eyes before. “When you first meet a patient, they’re like a deer in headlights,” Laurie said. “When someone hears the word cancer , they shut down for a while.” As a liaison between patients and physicians, navigators guide and support patients through the many stages of treating and living with cancer. “Being a navigator is about advocating for patients,” Laurie said. “Making sure they are getting through with as few barriers as possible.” With you every step “Laurie made me feel comfort- able and not afraid,” Anne said. HAVE CANCER- RELATED QUESTIONS? Call askSARAH at 844-482-4812 . Guiding light Anne Diamond (left) calls Breast Cancer Navigator Laurie Tauriainen her lifesaver. “She always called me back and answered all of my questions. When I couldn’t get an appoint- ment, she could get it for me. That made a huge difference.” At every step, Laurie knew what Anne needed. “When Anne struggled with emotions, I connected her with a patient who had a similar experience,” Laurie said. “They’re now friends. Anne has moved on to a survivorship navigator—but she still calls me and I’ll always answer.” “From diagnosis through surgery and treatment, I couldn’t have had better care,” Anne said. “I don’t know what I would have done without Laurie. I can’t say enough good things about her or the naviga- tor program.” NAVIGATORS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE for pregnant women who have been identified as high risk. The same level of care and coordination is available to these women during and after their pregnancy. Learn more about the Maternal Fetal Institute at 972-566-2326 . 12