Do You Need Assistance With Cancer Care?

Lewis County General Hospital has a program designed to assist the communities we serve with the many new and unknown experiences that may follow a diagnosis of cancer. We are here to assist you in making your treatment and recovery as stress-free as possible.

At LCGH, a special "Oncology Navigator" is available to help patients who may have cancer "navigate" through the healthcare system. This program is designed to assist you in obtaining the best care possible. The navigator will work with you to ensure that you get the support and help you need.

What is an Oncology Navigator?

An oncology navigator is a person who guides and supports patients during the challenges of having cancer. The Oncology Navigator is available to patients, their families and caregivers as another resource. The Navigator works closely with the patient to help eliminate or reduce barriers to cancer care and to provide education, encouragement and emotional support.

Lewis County General Hospital's Oncology Navigator is Joanne Dicob. Joanne is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and went through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery phases just as every cancer patient does.

Joanne is dedicated to assisting men and women who have been diagnosed with all aspects of the disease - pre and post diagnosis.

How Can The Oncology Navigator Help You?

• Guide you through the medical experience with educational information.
• Provide emotional support during a very anxious time.
• Help with insurance issues.
• Assist you in finding accurate information to make informed decisions.
• Support you through the healthcare experience during your diagnosis and treatment.
• Explore transportation, financial resources and/or other concerns you may have and guide you to the appropriate local assistance and support you may need.

• Assist you in getting answers to your questions.

How Do You Access This Program?

The Oncology Navigator works closely with the Lewis County General Hospital staff to assure that all aspects of the patient's diagnosis, treatment and recovery experiences are met. In some cases, patients may call the navigator directly or referrals also come from doctor's offices. You do not need to be receiving services at Lewis County General Hospital to utilize this program.

If you or someone you know would like more information about this program or financial assistance, please call, email or visit anytime:

Breast Cancer Outreach Program

Lewis County General Hospital has taken the opportunity to increase education, support and awareness of breast cancer in our community by developing a team of professionals to offer this educational program. It was important to develop this program from an awareness preventative aspect, and also to help you understand what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer.

GOALS:

• To provide access to services that are needed to maintain wellness.
• To coordinate and enhance the care of diagnosed individuals at their own comfort level.
• Our goals will be achieved through recognizing the worth and dignity of all seeking education.

OUTREACH PROGRAM CONTENT:

Breast Education

• Information (self breast exam instructions)

Radiology Department

• True Full Field Digital Mammography
• Computer Aided Detection
• Stereotactic Guided Biopsy

Understanding Lab Results

• Different types of cancer
• Pathology report

Oncology Navigator - Representative from LCGH

• Provide education
• Provide encouragement
• Provide emotional support

Lewis/Jefferson Cancer Services Program

• Programs offered for uninsured or underinsured patients

Look Good Feel Better

• Options for the right look (American Cancer Society Program)

For information on the Breast Cancer Outreach Program at Lewis County General Hospital, feel free to contact Joanne Dicob anytime.

2010 Breast Cancer Support Group Meetings

Meetings are held at 7pm every third Wednesday of the month at Lewis County General Hospital in the Medical Arts Building conference room.

More about Joanne Dicob, LCGH Oncology Navigator...

Joanne Dicob was born in Lowville, NY, as has lived in the town of New Bremen since 1973. She has three children and three grandchildren with her husband, Rodney Dicob. They operated a dairy farm in New Bremen for 17 years. While helping her husband on the farm, Joanne also worked for the late State Assemblyman, H. Robert Nortz, from 1975 until 2001.

In 2001, Joanne was offered the position of District Liaison for NYS Gov. Pataki. From 2001 to 2006, Joanne represented the Governor in Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and after her treatments, became a public advocate for breast cancer screenings and public outreach to other patients. In 2008, she began working part time as the Oncology Navigator for LCGH. Joanne used her experience with cancer as motivation to guide other men and women through their journey with cancer.

Joanne is a Thousand Islands State Park Commissioner Board Member for Friends of Lewis COunty Hospice, Member of the Lewis county Community Services Board, Rite of Christian Initiation for Children Instructor, former executive and committee member for Lewis County Republican Committee, past President of the New Bremen Community Improvement Association, and a former Town Councilwoman on the Town of New Bremen.