Jean Sabatine has had a rich life as a professor of theater and dance at the University of Connecticut. But four years ago, she found herself facing a frightening new threat — breast cancer.
Though she was proud of her independent lifestyle — she lives on her own near the UConn campus in Storrs — she fretted at the prospect of undergoing treatment without emotional support. Yet from the moment Jean was diagnosed at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Windham Hospital, she realized she would have someone by her side the entire time — her nurse navigator, Lori Terranova. As part of the team of nurse navigators within the Cancer Institute, Lori serves as a welcoming guide and companion for cancer patients throughout their journey of care, from diagnosis to recovery.
Nurse navigators like Lori also consult with the multidisciplinary specialists who collaborate to determine the best course of care for each patient. Throughout her treatment, Lori provided Jean with information on treatment options, while making sure Jean had the emotional support she needed to successfully navigate her care.
So when Jean completed her last radiation treatment three years ago, no one was as happy as Lori — and no one was as grateful as Jean.
“I’ve been cancer-free for three years, but I feel like Lori is still there watching out for me,” said Jean, who still consults with Lori on routine follow-up examinations. “From the moment I was diagnosed, I tried to make this experience as positive as possible . . . but it was a lot easier with Lori by my side.”