CentraState - Healthy Directions

When Cancer Strikes When Sharon Lorfing, RN, MSN, lost her mother to ovarian cancer, she recalls, "I felt pretty helpless. I don't want anyone else to feel that way." That's why her current role as surgical oncology nurse practitioner/navigator at CentraState Medical Center has been so personal—and important—to her. "I think I was born to help people," says Lorfing, who has been a nurse for more than 25 years and has led CentraState's Cancer Navigator Program since early 2012. "For me, my greatest reward is making a difference in somebody's day, week, or life." The Cancer Navigator Program assists patients and their families—at no charge—throughout the entire cancer care continuum. It helps them navigate the health care system; access appropriate medical, social and financial services; and avoid or work around obstacles, such as language or financial barriers. The program started several years ago, but Lorfing says the program has grown, with more consultations and referrals. "We're trying to make it a stronger program," she says, noting that they could add another navigator position in the future. The program is so essential, Lorfing stresses, because when patients get a diagnosis of cancer, "They're so overwhelmed; they don't think of the little things." That could include finding information on support groups, follow-up care, nutritional support, or even transportation or child/elder care resources. "I really try to let them know I'm here for them," Lorfing adds. "I don't want them to go through this cancer journey alone. Some patients have a good support system, but some patients have no one." One CentraState patient with a strong family support system—including her husband and four daughters—is 66-year-old Mary Herr of Spring Lake. Still, after her December 2011 diagnosis of lymphoma—and even before her biopsy—Lorfing was there to help. "She relieved any anxiety I had," Mary confides. "There was such a connection," Mary says. "She talks to you like you are a person, not a patient or a number." Herr is now completing treatment with Bhavesh Balar, MD, board-certified hematologist/oncologist with Monmouth Middlesex Hematology-Oncology and on staff at CentraState. After a patient is referred to the program, Lorfing compiles information and resources specific to the patient's diagnosis and individual needs. She values her role, realizing that patients may feel more comfortable asking her a question rather than their physician. "It's very rewarding to hear they are doing well or if they need something, I am able to provide it," she says. The program also partners with community-based, regional, and national organizations—such as the American Cancer Society's Look Good…Feel Better® program—to offer assistance. "It's not just CentraState," Lorfing says. "I want them to know what the entire community has to offer." Cancer Navigator Program Services CentraState's Cancer Navigator Program can assist patients and their families throughout the entire cancer care continuum. Navigation services include: • Assisting with arrangements for language translation services • Assisting with arrangements for transportation and child/elder care to help ensure you can make it to your appointments • Coordinating appointments with providers to ensure that you receive timely diagnosis and treatment • Directing you to resources for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery • Helping you understand your diagnosis • Linking you with appropriate follow-up services • Recommending support groups, classes, and other programs for information and support [PHOTO] Sharon Lorfing, RN, MSN, helps patients such as Mary Herr (at right) navigate their cancer care journeys. For more information about the Cancer Navigator Program, call (732) 637-6365, email slorfing@centrastate.com, or visit www.centrastate.com/cancer. Cancer Survivors Day Sunday, June 10; 12:30–2:30 p.m. National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, worldwide event celebrating life after a cancer diagnosis. Join us for a luncheon with a special guest speaker, music, and a mini health fair. To register, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727).

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