The informed patient

For many of the millions of cancer patients, navigating their healthcare and treatment plan isn’t an intuitive process.

For Cynthia Nero, it was like being asked to do the impossible.

“Overnight you have to become an expert in your cancer, you know, something you never really wanted to focus on,” Nero said.

Nero, 62, was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. She now teaches yoga to other cancer patients at the Christus St. Vincent Holistic and Wellness Center in Santa Fe. She said having a support network and seeking complementary care, such as yoga for cancer patients and acupuncture, helped her get through the isolation and despair that so often accompanies cancer treatment.

“It’s a matter of what is going to bring you to a more relaxed and peaceful state and help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment,” Nero said.