Cancer Care Navigator in Portland

A dedicated guide for your cancer journey

A journey with cancer may seem overwhelming. At Adventist Health Portland, supportive caring cancer care nurse navigator can help guide you through every step — from diagnosis and treatment through recovery and survivorship.

When you choose Adventist Health for your cancer care, you’ll have access to our nurse navigator, free of charge. Your physician or other provider may refer you to the nurse navigator, you may ask them to contact her with referral, or you may refer yourself. It’s up to you!

How your cancer care navigator helps

Dorothea Braxton, our cancer care navigator, is a registered nurse with experience working with patients diagnosed with cancer and national case management certification.

With her specialized education and experience, Dorothea can help guide you and your family around the “bumps in the road” and the challenges that may occur while you’re coping with a cancer journey.

Dorothea works directly with the entire Adventist Health Portland team of hospitalists, social workers, case management and discharge-planning nurses.

She also connects with the Knight Cancer Institute medical oncology clinic to help you move easily from the hospital to home or elsewhere. Dorothea can also help to keep your care team informed about how you’re doing between your visits.

Reasons you may want to meet with our cancer nurse navigator:

• Find easy-to-understand information about your disease and how to speak with your family, friends and employer.
• Review and discuss your treatment plan.
• Identify possible resources to help with finances and health insurance costs.
• Find emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.
• Receive a free Personal Health Manager or Cancer 101 binder to help you organize your appointments, test results, medication schedule and your notes.
• Get or develop a list of common questions you may want to ask your doctor or other cancer care team members.

Most importantly, you’re not alone. No matter how overwhelming or confusing your cancer journey seems, Dorothea is here for you, helping navigate you and your family on your cancer journey.

A note from our cancer care navigator

Dorothea Braxton, MPA, RN, CCM
Cancer Care Navigator
(503) 261-6676
Braxtod@ah.org

I'm here to support you as you undergo treatment for cancer. I work with our doctors and staff, as well as with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute team, to help you more easily “navigate” your cancer journey.

There is never a charge for this service. I am here for one purpose only: to provide information and support…as much or as little as you request.

My goal is to help you feel confident and in control of your life during what can be a challenging time. I consider it an honor to serve you.

Please feel free to phone or email me. I’m usually available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.