The journey through prostate cancer is easier with a guide
If you or a loved one is facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, you want Cynthia Cordero MA, BSN, RN, in your court.
Cynthia found her career niche in a unique and powerful role at RGU, serving as Nurse Navigator. Though she is trained as a registered nurse, Cynthia’s true passion is engaging with, supporting, and educating prostate cancer patients and their families through every step of their journey.
She combines her nursing knowledge with a strong desire to help people understand the “whys and hows” of their diagnosis and treatment plan, so patients always feel like they have an advocate and a friend in their battle with prostate cancer.
A born teacher
Early in her career, Cynthia worked as an echocardiographer in El Paso. She found her greatest fulfillment in helping patients make sense of their exams and leaving them with a stronger understanding of their care.
She later earned her BS degree in nursing from UTEP and pursued experience in different areas of traditional nursing, but she found that educating patients was consistently her favorite part of working in medicine.
In order to better serve and educate patients, Cynthia later earned her MA degree in curriculum and instruction from Angelo State University.
Today she is a vital part of the RGU team, and a knowledgeable and caring guide to help patients and their families navigate through prostate cancer at the Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic (APCC).
“I’m fortunate this position allows me to educate our patients and their families while providing care,” says Cynthia.
What services does a nurse navigator provide?
Cynthia thrives in the freedom to approach patients as whole people, rather than just prostate cancer patients.
“My obligation is to identify and address each patient’s needs, from physical, to emotional, to spiritual, and financial — and it all comes together in this position,” says Cynthia.
As a nurse navigator, she works to:
- Answer questions to help patients understand their diagnosis
- Help patients and their families understand treatment options
- Collaborate on treatment transitions with medical professionals
- Identify and offer helpful resources
- Collaborate with physician to assure continuity of care
- Alleviate some of the stress, grief, and anxiety patients face
The patients she works with appreciate Cynthia’s warm reassurance and the approachable way she presents them with information about their diagnosis and treatment.
Part of her whole-person approach involves working with each patient’s family members to help them take an active role in supporting their loved one through treatment.
Keeping up with the latest in cancer treatment options
Speaking of the role of family support, Cynthia is the daughter of a prostate cancer survivor, so she has first-hand appreciation of the gift of time that advanced prostate cancer care provides.
That’s why she works tirelessly to not only engage her patients but also stay on top of the latest research and breakthroughs in prostate cancer treatment.
“The treatments in prostate cancer are continuously evolving. I stay informed of these developments by attending seminars and conferences that offer the latest medical advances in prostate cancer care. I am fortunate to have many contacts in the pharmaceutical industry who are always willing to share the latest advances in treatment, and the doctors I work with, especially our clinic champion Dr. Voglewede, are also wonderful resources,” says Cynthia.
Working with the Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic at RGU
The APC clinic at RGU is dedicated to serving patients with the latest treatments options available.
It is the only clinic of its kind in El Paso — bringing together top urologists, oncologists, and other specialists with cutting-edge technology and therapy protocols.
Advanced prostate cancer previously had fewer advanced therapies available. There was a faster transition from hormone therapy to chemotherapy, and then to hospice.
But recent years have seen some truly exciting changes for the effective treatment and survival rates of patients with advanced prostate cancer, and Cynthia and the team at the APC clinic at RGU are pleased to be able to offer better care to patients in the El Paso area than ever before.
Do you want a guide to help you through your journey with prostate cancer?
If you want more information about the RGU Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic please call 915-225-2057 to speak with Nurse Navigator Cynthia Cordero, MA, BSN, RN.
