September 17, 2024
Playing on after 2 decades of cancer care
With the support of his health care team and nurse navigator, musician Newel Briggs’ life is in tune after prostate cancer.
Newel Briggs, from Portland, Oregon, continues his vibrant life after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Twenty years ago, musician Newel Briggs from Portland, Oregon, had a head cold and was waiting to see his doctor when he saw a chart on the wall about the importance of prostate cancer screenings.
“I thought, you know, I’m turning 50. I should probably take that test,” said Briggs. He and his doctor moved ahead with a blood test. That test showed elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, which can be a sign of prostate cancer. After doing a physical check and a biopsy, Briggs was told he had prostate cancer.
Fortunately, Kaiser Permanente’s team-based approach to cancer care and variety of support programs are designed to guide members and their families through the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. For Briggs and his family, there was also Bobbi Provance, a nurse navigator who specializes in prostate cancer, on their care team.
Briggs is a semi-retired musician who has played professionally with legendary artists. He’s also an educator who has worked as a music teacher, career adviser, and case manager for at-risk youth.
His diagnosis was stunning news to get during an already-difficult time for Briggs and his family. Only months before, both his mother-in-law and father-in-law had died.
Navigating uncertainty and building relationships
Nurse navigators play an important role in oncology patients’ care teams. They collaborate with doctors to get lab tests and imaging appointments scheduled quickly, walk members through treatment plans, and serve as a single point of contact for questions.
Bobbi Provance, Briggs’ nurse navigator, continues to provide important support during his ongoing care for managing prostate cancer.
“It’s about building relationships and walking that journey with members,” said Provance. “This is a tough time in their lives — and we are there with them the whole time, from diagnosis all the way to survivorship.”
After his initial diagnosis, Briggs and his doctors discussed treatment options. He ultimately decided on 8 weeks of radiation therapy instead of having his prostate surgically removed.
During this time, the Briggs family also gained emotional support through Kaiser Permanente. Three of Briggs’ daughters, who were in high school at the time and still grieving the loss of 2 grandparents, attended art therapy sessions.
Kaiser Permanente offers several services for members with prostate cancer, including personal counseling for members and their families, monthly support group meetings, support groups for caregivers, and peer mentorships.
The whole family attended several therapy sessions together.
She’s been a godsend. She’s been a great asset and a friend helping me with this whole journey. Newel Briggs, Kaiser Permanente member
Playing on and managing cancer
Today, Briggs enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and looks forward to 2 more coming later this year. He still plays a few professional gigs. And he continues to share his love of music with his Oregon community. He plays banjo, mandolin, and dobro while singing folk songs he learned from his grandma and telling stories about growing up in the segregated South.
All the while, he continues to manage his prostate cancer. For the last decade, Provance has been his nurse navigator, always available for answering questions; assessing symptoms; scheduling regular hormone therapy injections, PSA tests, and follow-up appointments; reviewing PSA and testosterone results; helping with disability paperwork; and taking a holistic approach with patient care.
“She’s been a godsend,” said Briggs. “She’s been a great asset and a friend helping me with this whole journey.”
Learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest.
