Managing a Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
Managing a Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
Laura, 69, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She also has moderate Parkinson’s disease. Her daughter, Meredith, called Better Health Advisors because she was concerned about her mother's care.
Situation
Laura is a 69-year-old woman from Shreveport, Louisiana, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She also has moderate Parkinson’s disease.
When Laura's daughter, Meredith, visited from New York City, she had questions for Laura’s doctors and wasn’t happy with their answers. Concerned that her mother wasn’t receiving the best care, Meredith called Better Health Advisors.
Support
After speaking with Meredith, we reached out to contacts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and made arrangements for Laura to see a specialist there. Laura’s prognosis was dire; her cancer was deemed inoperable, and she began chemotherapy.
To help manage her mother's care and provide access to the best treatment, Meredith persuaded Laura to move to New York City. Great cancer doctors often have months-long waiting lists, but the BHA team arranged for Laura to see top cancer specialists and neurologists within a week. These world-class physicians identified discrepancies in Laura's original diagnosis and modified her treatment plan accordingly.
Over the course of her treatment, Laura made several trips to the emergency room and was hospitalized twice. Better Health Advisors was there to navigate her ER and hospital stays, liaise with her physicians, and ensure a smooth transition home when she was discharged.
BHA found Laura an expert breast surgeon who determined that the modified chemotherapy was working and her cancer was operable. She had successful surgery.
Result
Two years later, Laura went in for a routine checkup. It showed no indication of the cancer returning. This good news was a tremendous relief for Laura and her loved ones.
The BHA team worked closely with Laura, her family, and her doctors throughout this journey. In addition to navigating her care, we ensured that she received everything she was entitled to from her insurance company. As Laura and her family manage her Parkinson’s and any future health concerns, BHA will continue to offer guidance and support.
For client confidentiality, all names and identifying details have been changed.