Patient schedulers ease anxiety after cancer diagnosis From Spotlight on Health - Winter 2013

In a word, they are ‘reassuring’ “I was scared to death — I didn’t know what to do,” Randy Johannes said of the day his doctor uttered the word “cancer.” It was November 2011 when the Cold Spring man was diagnosed with tonsil cancer. He began radiation treatment in winter and quickly realized that having the right people caring for and about him could make a big difference. “The Coborn Cancer Center staff made me feel very comfortable,” Randy said. “We are here to help patients through this,” said Denell Kruse, patient service assistant with Radiation Oncology at the Coborn Cancer Center, St. Cloud. Denell schedules radiation patient consults and referrals. “We often see patients daily during their treatment,” said Denell. “They become our friends — our family — we really get to know the patients.”

Tracy Rothstein (left) and Denell Kruse work together to make a smooth radiation treatment process for patients at the Coborn Cancer Center.

Coborn Cancer Center understands that all staff members influence the experiences of patients and their families. Denell helps place the patient and family in the center of care.

Randy said, “I look forward to going to the Coborn Cancer Center,even knowing what radiation does to my body, because of Denell’s positive approach. She made me feel my life is worth saving.”

Another person who Denell impacted was Deb Bjornberg. Deb completed chemotherapy for breast cancer in Willmar. She then needed to begin radiation, but her local oncologist was retiring. “I considered going to Mayo Clinic, but when I heard Coborn Cancer Center was part of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Care Network I knew I would receive high-quality care,” Deb said.

Through the network, Coborn physicians can access Mayo Clinic expertise when needed, so that whenever possible patients can continue to receive their care close to home. Now she gets all of her cancer care at the Coborn Cancer Center.

“They were very friendly, accommodating and professional,” Deb said. “If someone was made for a position, it was Denell — she is sincere, trusting and understanding. She made me feel normal and gave me her undivided attention.”

Learn more about Coborn Cancer Center