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Breast Cancer Nurse Case Managers
A breast cancer diagnosis is undeniably challenging both physically and emotionally. Facing appointments, medications and treatments can be daunting, especially because breast cancer is a complex disease requiring input from numerous health care professionals. At MeritCare, rest assured you have a unified team of caring specialists behind you, working to keep you well-informed while developing a comprehensive, individualized plan of care for your breast cancer treatment.
Your Nurse Case Manager: Help When You Need It Most
Breast cancer can be both overwhelming and confusing. As you embark on this new journey, many questions and concerns will arise — take comfort in knowing that you don't have to face them alone. The MeritCare breast cancer nurse case managers will guide you through the journey, providing knowledge and resources to assist you through this life-changing event.
The breast cancer nurse case manager is an experienced oncology nurse with expertise in breast cancer treatment and care coordination. Your Nurse Case Manager can assist you in the following ways:
- Provide information and educational materials
- Guide you through the health care system by assisting with coordination of care
- Serve as a patient advocate and offer emotional and physical support to you and your family
- Facilitate communication between you, the doctors and other health care team members
- Provide information on community resources and support groups
Your Breast Care Team: A Coordinated Approach for Quality Care
Your nurse case manager serves as the link to your breast care team — a system of qualified health care professionals working together to provide exceptional care. Your breast care team includes:
- Breast Cancer Surgeon: specializes in surgical treatment of breast cancer and will discuss surgical options appropriate for your circumstances. Based on your situation, these options may include mastectomy, breast conservation surgery, breast reconstructive surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection.
- Medical Oncologist: specializes in the medical treatment of cancer and will discuss treatment options that may include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biologic therapy. The medical oncologist may talk with you about participation in clinical trial studies.
- Radiation Oncologist: specializes in treating cancer through the use of radiation therapy — a form of treatment involving high-energy rays. The radiation oncologist will help decide whether radiation may be helpful for your condition.
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon: specializes in breast reconstruction options and will discuss the various types of breast reconstruction available and appropriate for your circumstances.
- Other Team Members: An additional network of team members offering service and support includes:
- Social worker
- Chaplain
- Dietitian
- Psychologist
- Physical Therapist
- Nurses
Your Role: Participating in the Team Approach
As you meet with your nurse case manager, team members and support staff, it is important to take an active part in the team approach to your breast cancer treatment. Because you are our top priority, we want you to be informed and involved every step of the way. We're happy to answer questions and offer support at any point during your treatment — please don't be afraid to ask.
Nurse case managers can be reached at (701)-234-2941 or (800) 511-6161 ext. 2941