Latoya, a 24-year-old woman, contacted a patient advocate after her father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Her father was happy with the treatment recommendations that his oncologist had offered, however, Latoya had been doing some internet research and discovered that the Mayo Clinic was doing extensive research and had some of the top doctors that specialize in esophageal cancer.
Latoya contacted the Center for Patient Partnerships looking for assistance with additional research into treatments and where to find the ‘best’ hospitals/clinic in the country for esophageal cancer. Latoya was also frustrated that her father did not want to discuss his diagnosis with her or her mother.
A patient advocate helped Latoya continue her research. The advocate also pointed her towards Pathways to Empowerment, where she found a list of tips for talking with her family. She even printed out some resources for patients who have trouble communicating about their illness and gave them to her father.
