Denise’s story: How a breast health navigator eased her cancer journey
Denise Hinnenkamp is the epitome of a stellar patient. She knows her health risks and stays on top of her regular doctor's appointments. As someone with a history of breast health issues, she knows just how important it is to get checkups.
In 2022, she went to her routine gynecologist appointment and her physician noticed a lump in her left breast. She had needle biopsies for breast calcifications in the past, so a new lump was not out of the ordinary. She already knew the routine – she would get an order for a mammogram at Inland Imaging to make sure it was not anything else more serious.
“I went in, and I wasn’t nervous,” Denise said. “They did the mammogram, and I was told it looked suspicious, so they did an ultrasound. This is all normal to me. But then they brought in the radiologist. I knew something was different.”
Denise found herself at the Providence Breast Health clinic at Providence Holy Family Hospital for specialized care where she learned about the cancer diagnosis and her options for treatment.
Following her first appointment, Denise got a phone call from Samantha Kar, a nurse navigator on the Providence Breast Health team. Denise said Samantha listened, asked questions and went through the process with her. Denise said Samantha’s compassion gave her confidence that she had the best team on her side. Samantha is often able to contact patients before they are seen by either the breast surgeon or the medical oncologist.
“I try really hard to find out where my patients are, mentally and emotionally,” Samantha said. “I ask what they know already and ask what they want to know. Sometimes people don’t want to know anything until they go to the doctor.”
Samantha became a breast health nurse navigator at the Providence Breast Health clinic in 2022. However, Samantha has years of experience caring for patients with cancer. She previously worked in the pediatric oncology unit at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
“I have learned so much about my role just by helping Denise,” Samantha said. “Denise was so open to sharing and asking questions. The overall goal for any cancer navigator is to identify and help remove any barriers to care.”
Samantha is there every step of the journey with patients. She refers patients to social workers, financial counselors, and support groups. She answers questions, provides follow-up and lends an ear. This was monumental for Denise in her journey.
Samantha knows the importance of empowering patients. She shared that she feels accomplished when patients learn enough to make educated decisions. “Samantha was a lifeline as our patient navigator,” Denise said.
Denise decided on a complete mastectomy of the left breast. She had surgery in February 2023 and has fully recovered. Today, she is back to her passions — teaching at the Spokane Valley Parent Cooperative and spending time with her husband and family.
This October, we invite you to encourage your loved ones to check their breast health for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you or someone you know identifies a lump in their breast, all Providence Urgent Cares will see patients and provide referrals to the Providence Breast Health clinic. Patients do not have to wait to be seen by their primary care doctor to get a referral.
Visit any of these locations:
· Providence Medical Park: 16528 E Desmet Ct, Suite A1200, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
· Providence Urgent Care – downtown Spokane: 421 S Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
· Providence Urgent Care – north Spokane: 551 E Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99218
