In June I went to the Norwin facility for a follow-up mammogram due to dense breast tissue. After having the mammogram and ultrasound the doctor told me he felt fairly certain that I had cancer in my right breast. My world came to a screeching halt and I have never felt so scared in my entire life. I was desperate to talk to my husband; however, he was out of town in a place where there was no cell service. I could feel the fear pulling me under and had no idea how to keep myself together. I was a frightened, crying mess. This is when Sheila Farina, the Nurse Navigator, pulled me into her office. With her confident, empathetic, and positive personality, Sheila was able to calm my fears. Due to my high anxiety level, she arranged for me to have the doctor perform my biopsy that same day. Before leaving, Sheila gave me her card and told me I could call her with any questions. I took her up on this and she has put up with many phone calls from me!
Sheila called a couple of days later to deliver the bad news that I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Even over the phone, Sheila was able to comfort and reassure me that she would get me through this nightmare. I had researched the names of several breast surgeons in Pittsburgh and asked Sheila how I was to proceed. She assured me that the best surgeon I could have had recently joined the Excela group. Sheila was able to get me an appointment for the very next week. I told Sheila I would keep the appointment but I was also going to see the surgeon who came so highly recommended in Pittsburgh. My husband and I went to see the surgeon the following week and I understood why Sheila had encouraged me to see her. Not only was she confident and knowledgeable, but she was also very patient and spent a lot of time with us answering our questions. I knew I was in the best of hands and wouldn't find a better doctor. The surgeon scheduled my lumpectomy for the following week and I canceled my appointment in Pittsburgh.
Throughout this entire terrifying situation, Sheila has provided me with the best support I could ask for. Even though she didn't perform any life-saving procedures on me, she was able to provide the support that was essential for my mental and emotional health. I credit my healing process as much to her as the doctors. She provided an integral source of communication between me and the doctors. I can't express the importance of the Nurse Navigator position and the fact that Sheila Farina is the perfect person to serve in that role. The job of calling people to deliver devastating news must be incredibly difficult, yet Sheila handles it with such a positive attitude. She made an extremely terrifying situation much more bearable and for that, I will always be grateful. My battle against breast cancer is going to be a long process; however, I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful group of Excela doctors and a certain Nurse Navigator named Sheila fighting it with me. Thank you for the time and effort you have put forth to assemble such an amazing team for women who face breast cancer.