Samantha Damren, CNP

A gynecologic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You might wonder how cancer in your reproductive organs will affect your health, fertility, and vitality. You’ll get answers to your questions — and the best available treatments — from our team. Our specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and treating cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancer. From testing to treatments and through your recovery, you receive care from our skilled team. Our gynecologic cancer experts offer the latest therapies, so you have the best possible outcome. Our gynecologic oncology team includes every specialist you need, including medical, radiation and surgical oncologists. You have a team of experts on your side who work together to customize your treatment plan. Our nurse navigators make life a little easier for you during treatment by coordinating the services you need. We help make appointments for tests and therapies, answer questions and lend a caring ear. We also connect you with supportive care services that promote holistic healing. Learn more about our supportive care services for cancer. We coordinate every detail of your care so you can focus on getting better. Your nurse navigator calls you before your first appointment and gathers information about your health history. If you need additional tests, we arrange them for you. For most women with gynecologic cancer, treatment includes surgery. Our surgeons perform the latest procedures and offer specialized therapies to help you make a complete recovery. We use sophisticated minimally invasive techniques to remove cancer through small incisions, so you heal faster. Tiny cameras and technologies like robotic-assisted surgery enable us to treat cancer with maximum precision. Our whole-person approach to care includes services to help you feel your best during and after treatment. You can work with specialists who listen and support, including social workers, spiritual care advisors and counselors. Pelvic Health After Cancer Clinic Nearly half of all women diagnosed with cancer experience pelvic problems following treatment. Given this reality, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group recognizes that cancer and cancer treatment can cause numerous side effects that can directly impact pelvic health and wellbeing. We recognize that pelvic health is an important metric to assess quality of life, and it is our goal to provide comprehensive and continuing support to our patients. The Pelvic Health after Cancer Clinic at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group will provide patients with a detailed clinical consultation, as well as resources, education, social and emotional support, and appropriate referrals related to any concerns for women with cancer.

Our team works with your own treatment team to provide care that relieves symptoms such as pain, nausea, or difficulty breathing. We may also provide support for a smooth transition from curative care to care that focuses more on comfort. Palliative care is different from hospice care, and offers services such as: • Medication adjustments for better pain control • Outpatient consultation for oncology patients • Supportive counseling for patients and loved ones • Coordination of care with treating physicians and other team members • Integration of psychological and spiritual aspects of health care with the physical aspects • Information on the course of illness, options for care, and other health concerns • Creating a comforting, soothing environment for the seriously ill patient • Companionship for patients who are dying and are alone Talk to your doctor or care team if you are interested in receiving palliative care.