Hearing that you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer can be difficult even for the toughest of people. For Jeannie Hall, the words cancer caused her to go numb.

In July, the Penn Valley resident learned she had breast cancer. But the diagnosis was not a complete surprise to her, thanks to her interaction with the nurse navigator program through Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Breast Imaging Center.

As soon as a lump was found in one of Hall's breasts, she was introduced to Linda Aeschliman, a registered nurse at the Breast Imaging Center. Aeschliman is one of two nurse navigators who's job it is to help guide patients through the journey of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

"She kept me from being afraid and uncertain to feeling protected," Hall said of the nurse navigators.

For the past 10 years, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital has offered its breast imaging center patients assistance through the maze of procedures that lead to the diagnosis of cancer, to the varied course of treatment, and to the personal impact the disease has on a person. Registered Nurse and coordinator of the Breast Imaging Center, Pat Donnelly started the navigator program and Aeschliman joined her this past year.

Aeschliman said their role is to offer sound, educational materials and resources that can increase the knoledge base of each individual which, in turn, enables them to make mor informed decisions with their doctors. We listen, we support and we encourage, she said.

For Hall, that meant weekly packets of information of what to expect in her next steps of treatment.

"It is a trail you have to go on once you learn you have a disease. She's like the Lewis and Clark of that trail," Hall said in reference to the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who lead people through the unknown American west territory.

Once you begin working with Donnelly or Aeschliman, they remain with you as a resource and friend through the entire course of treatment.

This concept of providing a guide through diagnosis and treatment of cancer is fairly unique. Just this past June a group of nurses formed the National Coalition of Oncology Nurse Navigators.

"We know that having an oncology nurse navigator is a critical role for anyone going through cancer treatment," said Tina Beerman, president of the coalition.

Beerman said it is unusual to have a program that's been around for 10 years. The coalition formed this past June to help bring together a framework, standards and recognition for nurse navigator programs across the country - of which there are very few with comprehensive services.

Beerman is a registered nurse and navigator at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Maryland. She said she knew of only one other program in the country that has offered such services for 10 years.

"We know that this is a discipline (of nursing) that will continue to grow," she said.

For Hall, the care she receives now is what is important. Nurse navigators support of Hall's husband Merrill, as well.

"The second time we met her, we weren't strangers. She just knew us as a friend," Hall said.

Aeschliman always greets her and her husband with a smile when handing off information or lending her support before or after a procedure. Hall praised all those involved in aspects of her cancer treatment at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, including the great teamwork between physicians and staff. But when it comes to Aeschliman, she has a unique perspective.

"The equipment was for my body, but Linda was for my heart," Hall said.



To learn more about the nurse navigator program or breast imaging services at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital's Breast Imaging Center, visit www.snmh.org, or call 530-274-6246. To learn more about the National Coalition for Oncology Nurse Navigators, please visit www.nconn.org.