Expertly guiding cancer patients throughout their journey

Andrea Shirley expertly guides her cancer patients through the complexities of testing, diagnosis, treatment, surgery and follow-up. But her dedication to improving lives goes beyond the walls of the UCHealth Breast Center in Pueblo. As a nurse navigator, she is committed to improving the patient experience throughout their journey.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it’s like they have to learn a new language,” said Shirley. “We are with patients from start to finish. We help them through each step of the cancer treatment process, from screening to diagnostic, from biopsy to treatment. I like to refer to myself as a professional hand-holder.”

In addition to her nurse navigator duties, Shirley worked with the clinic’s practice manager to research and write a grant from the Rawlings Foundation. That grant was approved last fall with the funding used to provide wigs free of charge to cancer patients.

Shirley was also instrumental in organizing a separate location at UCHealth Parkview for cancer patients to receive personal services. Along with another nurse navigator, the “Bloom” wellness center was opened last summer.

“We see anywhere from three to seven people each week for wigs (all cancers),” said Shirley. “Bra fittings, we do every other month, and have up to 18 women scheduled for appointments.”

One recent patient was too ill to come in for her wig fitting, so Shirley drove the wig to her house.

“It fit, she loved it and it looked great on her,” Shirley said.

She also coordinates a team of volunteers who make and provide blankets, pillows, chemo shirts, ‘knitted knockers’ and unique wood stands that hold patient wigs.

Later this fall, the “Bloom” wellness center will be moving from its current location across the street from the Cancer Center to a new location down the hall from the breast center.

“Being located closer to our offices will make it much easier for our patients,” said Shirley. “It will have two large dressing rooms and a comfortable waiting area with refreshments. We want it to be a welcoming space where women can come and feel beautiful.”

Shirley added, “Bloom” is not a technical name, our motto is “hope grows there.”