Names and identifying details, including diagnosis, have been changed to protect privacy.

Dealing with a serious diagnosis can be overwhelming — you're not at your strongest, your family may be far away, and the language of medicine is very hard to understand.

The Situation: Helen is 82 and lives in Florida. She's recovering at home after surgery for breast cancer, but struggling with the side effects of her chemo-immunotherapy. Helen's son is in Cambridge; her daughter lives outside Philadelphia and is the one who initially contacted me. Helen’s children don't fully understand their mother's treatment and care plan, are worried about her safety, and feel the weight of managing her care from a distance.

The Support: I started by talking with Helen — learning how she was feeling, assessing her symptoms, and listening to what mattered most to her. After reviewing her CT and PET scan reports, I translated the findings into plain language. We talked through her treatment and developed additional strategies for managing her side effects. I also helped her understand that Medicare would cover a visiting nurse and home physical therapy focusing on medication management and fall prevention — support Helen agreed could make a real difference in her safety and recovery. Together, we prepared for Helen's next oncology appointment: organizing the family's concerns, prioritizing questions, and identifying things she might not have thought to ask.

The Outcome: I joined Helen’s oncology visit by phone. Her children were relieved to know she wasn't alone. Helen's concerns and questions were addressed, referrals for a visiting nurse and physical therapist were secured, and Helen left with a clear picture of what comes next.

In Closing: Afterward, I connected with Helen and her family so everyone was on the same page. I helped them think through options for current and future care in a way that felt right and reflected Helen's values and wishes.