Jenny's Story
February 6, 2020Raising a Glass to Good Health
After comprehensive treatment for gynecological cancer
When Jenny Nugent was diagnosed with gynecologic cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she was overwhelmed. Navigating such complex, comprehensive care on her own might have been another debilitating challenge.
Yet Jenny was supported by a collaborative team of Holy Cross Health specialists who coordinated her care. “I felt like I had a team,” Jenny said of her Holy Cross Health specialists. “The doctors knew and communicated with each other, shared my records and scheduled my care. That gave me a lot of confidence. I felt I was in good hands.”
The customers, colleagues and musicians at Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, the Bethesda pub that she and her husband Steve own, provided equally important moral support that helped her make it through.
Oncology nurse navigators and social workers are available at Holy Cross Health to help patients on their complex journey of cancer care, providing emotional support and access to many resources available within the system.
Jenny’s care began with Holy Cross Health’s multidisciplinary tumor board, which evaluates complex cancer cases. “The tumor board meets to discuss the unique aspects of each patient and the published National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines,” said Cheryl Aylesworth, MD, Jenny’s medical oncologist. These are data-driven, best practice guidelines for the treatment of different cancers.
Next, Jenny had state-of-the-art robotic surgery at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Albert Steren, MD, Gynecologic Oncology, described how robotic surgery techniques expand capabilities and minimize the invasiveness of surgery and its risks. “The robot’s instruments mirror the surgeon’s actions resulting in surgery that is more precise and meticulous than traditional open surgery and even regular laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery has expanded reach into the body and minimizes trauma, shortening recovery times,” Dr. Steren said.
Five tiny incisions and a month of recuperation later, Jenny began chemotherapy treatment.
After Surgery
“I knew the pressures Jenny was facing,” Dr. Aylesworth said. “She had to be at her business.” Dr. Aylesworth’s team accommodated Jenny’s schedule during her six-month chemotherapy regimen, while supporting and encouraging her. “Ours is a nurturing care plan that treats every patient not as a data point or diagnosis, but as a person.”
After completing chemo, Jenny entered her last phase of treatment — five weeks of care at the Holy Cross Radiation Treatment Center. Sheela Modin, MD, medical director of the center, said of Holy Cross Health’s team approach: “This is the ideal way to treat patients. All the physicians are on the same page and have the same goal.”
Irish Eyes Are Smiling — Again
Back at work full time, Jenny’s life is once again moving ahead. While she was sick, musicians played without pay, and regulars told her she looked great — even when she felt otherwise. “It’s part of the Irish culture for everyone to chip in and cheer for you,” she explained. And they did.