Helping survivors take control of their lives after treatment
Patient Care Coordinator Anna Westburg spends most of her work day on the phone – helping patients and survivors regain control of their lives following an ordeal with cancer.
“I find that it’s not necessarily what I say, but that I take the time to listen,” Westburg said. “Cancer survivors calling from outside the SCCA system may be foundering because they feel their post-treatment issues haven’t been understood; but they’re reassured to learn we understand and have resources to help them.” SCCA’s Survivorship Clinic is open to all cancer patients.
Though survivors tend to call about a specific concern or physical symptom, most are also interested in improving their quality of life with the help of a survivorship care plan, which is something that the Survivorship Clinic routinely offers, Westburg said.
When appropriate, Westburg helps callers make appointments at the Survivorship Clinic, gathering information on their treatment and primary care history to lay the groundwork for a survivorship care plan. At the clinic, patients receive the plan along with a treatment summary that flags possible post-treatment issues.
Westburg studied neuroscience research at Regis University in Denver and worked in psychiatric treatment programs before coming to SCCA.
To reach Anna Westburg or a colleague to schedule an appointment at the Survivorship Clinic, call (206)288-1024.
