Talk About Patient Navigator

By Ellie Duarte
CGH Patient Navigator

Of the many patients I see, I would like to share the story about Barbara and Roger O’Kelley.

I met the O’Kelley’s in February. Barbara cannot hear, and Roger cannot speak. Barbara is a lung cancer patient at our Cancer Treatment Center, and Roger is a seven-year throat cancer survivor with a laryngectomy.

In the beginning, there were many challenges. Several resources were needed for Barbara’s lifesaving treatments to begin. The couple needed help with medical expenses and gas for transportation to and from treatment. Barbara needed a wig, so we made an appointment for her at the American Cancer Society’s local office, where she received a professional fitting from a licensed cosmetologist.

After getting a new “red bob” hair-do, Barbara then began attending an ACS “Look Good . . . Feel Better” session, which CGH hosts monthly for female cancer survivors. This program allows women to feel good about themselves and addresses the side effects of treatment, such as hair and fingernail loss and skin discoloration.

Communication is an important part of my daily encounters with patients and their families, and so was with the O’Kelleys - except that Roger couldn’t talk. We devised a system when I needed to call them, where Roger would answer my “yes” or “no” questions with taps. We needed a better way to communicate, and I asked Roger if he would be willing to try an electro-larynx. He nodded “yes.” I contacted a friend, Joe Marasco, who also has a laryngectomy, and asked if he could help. Joe immediately jumped in to assist.

The O’Kelleys and Joe met at the center and training began. Joe brought with him different types of speaking tools for Roger to try. Within about 45 minutes, Roger spoke his first clear words in seven years. We were jumping up and down with joy and a few tears were shed, as well. Thanks to Joe, Roger can use the electro-larynx as long as he needs it.

Roger continues to practice speaking daily and now attends the laryngectomy club, which Joe leads every Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the local ACS office. Barbara has finished treatment, is happy and doing well.

Another successful day in patient navigation!