Insights into Navigation

Explaining the Side Effects of Chronic Fatigue to Your Oncology Patients

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Sleeping more isn’t the solution to combat the chronic fatigue caused by chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. So, what works and why aren’t cancer patients told about it?

Preparing for Higher Stages of Disease

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
With the delay in mammogram screenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, oncology professionals should be prepared with resources for patients being diagnosed with higher stages of breast cancer.

Working as a Navigation Team

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Navigation teams may find it difficult to truly work together as a team if roles and responsibilities aren’t delineated.

Assessing a Patient’s Ability to Comprehend and Learn

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
When it comes to communicating with our patients, we need to take steps to ensure they are understanding of their diagnosis and next steps.

When Cancer Recurs as Metastatic Disease

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Preparing patients for the possibility of cancer recurrence is essential to their treatment plan. As oncology navigators, we should be prepared to respond to different reactions that may come from a diagnosis of recurrence.

Planned Pregnancy for Patients with Breast Cancer

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Some patients with cancer may choose to become pregnant before they die. As their nurse navigators and patient navigators, we need to assist in considering the ethics and possibilities of this choice.

As Mask Mandates Lift, Patients Need to Take Precautions

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
While COVID-19 may feel like it’s coming to an end for some, patients with cancer who haven’t gotten the vaccine need to continue to take extra precautions.

Hospice Care: Giving Patients Control Over End of Life

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Hospice care often doesn’t occur until a patient is too ill to continue treatment. Encouraging patients to seek hospice care earlier could lead to a better quality of life and preparation for end of life.

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Even after being diagnosed with cancer, it is never too late for a patient to implement healthy lifestyle and behavior changes.

Phantom Limb Pain in Patients with Cancer

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Patients with cancer who undergo limb removal or have a mastectomy may experience phantom limb pain or sensations. As oncology navigators, we should discuss and prepare our patients for this possibility.