LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Olympic Medical Cancer Care Center now has two patient navigators. Felicia Volkman, left, has joined Linda Klinefelter.

New assistant patient navigator ‘bludgeons’ her patients with humor 

By KATIE PATE
Staff Writer

Felicia Volkman is caring for a cancer patient. He is terminally ill. She sits by his bedside, holding his hand, trying to comfort him. “You know, I lost both my parents to cancer. So I have an idea of what you are going through. When my mom died, I was sleeping right next to her. When my dad died, I was sleeping right next to him.” The gentlemen looks at her and says, “Remind me not to take a nap with you!”

This kind of lighthearted joking and jovial character has enabled Volkman to comfort and guide her patients through their darkest days. She has just accepted the position as assistant patient navigator at the Olympic Medical Cancer Care Center.

Linda Klinefelter, Volkman’s superior at the cancer center, described a patient navigator as someone who “helps people filter through the maze of cancer.” In a combination of counseling and social services, Volkman and Klinefelter help patients cope with the warped world of cancer. 

Volkman moved to Sequim about six years ago on a “grossly adventurous” whim. “I knew I was going to work at this hospital. I went in every Monday for a month dressed for work. Eventually, they knew I wasn’t going away. Being part of the OMC family is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.” She worked at the lab in OMC four years and when she heard about the opening at the cancer center, she almost didn’t apply. In fact, hers was the last application Klinefelter received. But it was the best. 

Klinefelter says one of the best things about Volkman is that they share a similar philosophy about patient care. “I own my patients,” says Volkman. “During the duration of their visit in the hospital I want to make sure they have everything they need. If it’s a drink of water or a blanket, it will take less than five minutes to make them feel at ease.”

Volkman involves herself with the patient’s mental and emotional adjustment to cancer. She takes into account all psychosocial aspects of the patient. Her work involves arranging supportive services such as support and education groups.

She also aids in handling technicalities that come with the disease, like paying for treatment.

The center treats all different kinds of cancer, the majority of cases being breast-, lung- and colon- related. It also treats many prostate cancer victims, which Volkman explains is especially complex. “There are so many psychological issues around this organ, they need a solid foundation of education to deal with this disease,” Klinefelter elaborates.

“I have to focus on feel. I want to provide guidance and maintain dignity for the patient. It’s really a waltz, trying to support without suffocation,” says Volkman. “There’s an ebb and flow of how much support and guidance they need.

“My best friend died from cancer at age 40. As I cared for her, she told me, ‘I will know I’m dead when you treat me like

I’m dead.’ This statement has helped guide my work,” Volkman said.

Not only does Volkman support her patients with their emotional adjustments, but she also helps them find the means to pay for their treatment. This entails repeated calls to DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) and Social Security.

She is an advocate for her patients, using all resources available.

 “There is funding for those without insurance who qualify for our income guidelines,” explains Volkman. The cancer center has several funds that it can use to assist with patient needs. The Patient Navigator Fund goes toward the daily needs of patients. These monies are raised within the community. Another is the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund, directed toward breast cancer victims. Lastly, the Clallam Jefferson Fund goes toward exceptional need. “This fund is a life-saver because it allows more freedom with the distribution. For example, one couple needed to go to University of Washington for treatment and there was no one to watch their dog. You know how it can be for older folks; this dog was their life. So we used some of these funds to board their dog while they were gone. Another time a patient became distraught because cancer had kept him from working and he couldn’t afford to buy his children new cleats. So we got them for the family.” 

With the many complexities and hardships patients face during their fight against the disease, they easily can become depressed and hopeless in the face of what seems an unconquerable enemy. This is where Volkman’s unflappable sense of humor becomes so important. It helps to move individuals through difficult stages and helps them focus on the bright parts of their life and bring hope of a healthier tomorrow. “I bludgeon them with humor,” Volkman says laughing. “It’s not about the dying, it’s about the living.”

Her humor is what Volkman’s former boss, Steve Blackham, says made her such a fantastic employee. “She has a wonderful sense of humor,” he says, “and it puts people at ease. She has the ability to relieve apprehension in people.”

There are some very difficult days at the center even for positive and upbeat Volkman. Many of the people that pass through her office will die in the next two to five years. But she says it is essential to stay in the now. “I try not to think ahead a year,” Klinefelter says. They could be gone by then and to think ahead too much won’t help the patient in their struggle today. The women explain that the treatment and the pain is a huge process. They feel honored to share this journey with their patients and become very intimate with them.

Volkman emphasized success at the cancer center is a team effort. From the women at the front desk to the radiologists and oncologists, they all work together for the patient. “We work hard to keep the Cancer Center from feeling clinical.”

Volkman elaborates: “Once a patient told me, ‘I like coming here. I don’t like the diagnosis, but I like being here. There is no cold element.’”