Dedicated support for cancer patients in Richmond, KY

Dedicated Support for Cancer Patients

Vickie Frisby, RN, Oncology Nurse Navigator
Baptist Health Richmond
Jean Lloyd, Richmond, Kentucky

Vickie Frisby, RN:
The patients here at Baptist Health Richmond, often they have concerns about their diagnosis. Even though the providers do a great job of educating here, I'm here to provide resources. I provide them with educational resources. They also may have questions like, "What's it going to be like?" or "How long is this going to take?" or "How am I going to feel?" One thing when I introduce my role to them [is to tell them that] I'm also a cancer survivor. I've been able to break it down and relate to them and let them know, "I know what you're going through."

Jean Lloyd:
Her demeanor is so calm, so caring, and she is so warm with her feelings and she's not afraid to touch your hands. You're not afraid of how people are going to perceive you, and she spends time with you, and that's important. She doesn't forget you. She comes back. She is there. She calls if you need anything.

Vickie Frisby, RN:
When they realize that they have an ally here who has been through that, it has just enhanced my job and made it easier for the patient. Because they know: she made it; she had breast cancer; she had stage 3; she's 18 years out; and they're like, "I can do this." It's been probably the most rewarding job I've had in my nursing career.

Jean Lloyd:
The whole unit is your family. You’ve got to have family in order to move forward.