With the support of his health care team and nurse navigator, musician Newel Briggs’ life is in tune after prostate cancer.
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.
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.
“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
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.
In August 2023, John Lynn collapsed at work. For the next year, he fought …
A lifelong educator seeks behavioral health care to manage repetitive worries, …
After a long period of loneliness and isolation, Roberta Maguire gets the …
Miriam Gutierrez was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer at age 31. …
Kaiser Permanente celebrates doctors and nurse practitioners recognized …
Connecting through a shared heritage gives one therapist a unique perspective …
The new Pueblo North Medical Offices will replace the existing facility …
After a life-threatening series of heart attacks at age 57, Bunnell Fockler …
Donna Budway received prompt surgery followed by chemotherapy. She credits …
A basketball coach’s remarkable story of undergoing brain tumor surgery …
Support from a dedicated care team helps Tiffany Anonye breastfeed her …
A mother and daughter share a special bond after undergoing tonsillectomies …
Kaiser Permanente in San Diego helped plan a special send-off for Katie …
Ed Dalmasso needed an aortic valve replacement. His care team provided …
Harold Newman had advanced prostate cancer. Genetic testing helped expand …
After a successful treatment, Luke Klein is giving back as a mentor who …
5280 Magazine named 332 Kaiser Permanente physicians to its annual Top …
A Southern California program, powered by our connected care model, is …
When a newborn was diagnosed with meningitis, a life-threatening infection …
Delivering multiple babies is difficult, but Kaiser Permanente care teams …
Chris Hogan faced kidney cancer and prostate cancer at the same time. He …
A young father is enjoying “bonus time” with his kids thanks to new targeted …
Patients like Carol Pitman are living longer thanks to advances in lung …
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed after a new baby’s arrival? You’re not …
Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, …
Some of the most common conditions affecting men carry a social stigma …
One in 5 people experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health …
It’s easy to put off recommended health screenings, and sometimes even …
Black Americans experience worse health outcomes compared to other populations …
Lynch syndrome is a gene mutation that increases colon cancer risk. Learn …
Virtual cardiac rehab helped Mike Kelly heal at home after a life-threatening …
A healthy life after cancer is possible. Learn how Kaiser Permanente helps …
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
Kaiser Permanente excels in preventing, detecting, and treating kidney …
For Sam Beeson, having a midwife at her side during her pregnancy helped …
Colorado musician back with the band thanks to new virtual cardiac rehab …
A new Kaiser Permanente facility in Bellflower, California, makes customized …
Early detection of the disease, before it becomes advanced, will increase …
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for most people starting …
Care teams at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center helped Phillip Crawford …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
Innovative surgical recovery program helps breast cancer patients safely …
Tookie Gentilcore returns to enjoying life thanks to a quick, safe method …
People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease.
Kaiser Permanente’s Patient Advisory Councils help us create exceptional …
Following a COVID-19-related hospital stay, Robert DeLeon took charge of …
Members experiencing a low risk pregnancy have the option of having their …
A new care option offers a mix of in-person and virtual visits, supported …
From diagnosis to recovery, David Parsons, MD, shares how screening, treatment …
As a lifelong nonsmoker, Mariann Stephens was shocked to learn she had …
Our Advanced Care at Home program provides high-quality, safe care in familiar …
A team of specialists treats an expecting mother’s cancer while keeping …
A child and adolescent psychiatrist shares tips on supporting your child …
Joy Short, a Kaiser Permanente member and employee, turned her breast cancer …
The prestigious Magnet® designation affirms the compassion, dedication, …
Fit and focused, an Oregon father and runner rebounds after an aortic valve …
For years, serious heart attacks meant hours of weekly appointments. Now, …
Members give video visits high marks — and with a few simple tips, you …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Research and clinical trials play a vital role in advancing cancer treatment …
Kaiser Permanente is at the forefront of cervical cancer research. Find …
After a diagnosis for a rare type of blood cancer, Marla Marriott got high-qua …
The Kaiser Permanente Southern California 2022 Community Health Snapshot …
Learn how lifestyle medicine is part of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Fay Gordon's breast cancer was caught in the early stages thanks to genetic …
Tarayn Fairlie, MD, a pediatrician and lactation consultant, helps separate …
Michael West shares his incredible journey from diagnosis to treatment …
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Our members are more likely to feed their babies breast milk. And they’re …
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Bridge Program has become …
Unique challenges and societal pressures can impact men’s emotional well-being …
Age, family history, and race are key factors.
Doctor and mother of 3 Susan Brim received top-notch care after her lung …
It’s important to be proactive about your health by scheduling regular …
Carter Shaver from Portland, Oregon, shares his optimistic smile after …
Help change the future of cancer prevention by joining Connect today.
Thanks to personalized care from a team of skilled doctors, Christina McAmis …
Kaiser Permanente member Debbie Hoisch encourages people to know the warning …
Peer mentoring program matches new cancer patients with others who’ve gone …
Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center achieves Magnet status, the …
As a nonsmoker, Betty Schuldt’s stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis was surprising, …
Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center recognized by the Women’s Choice …
Kaiser Permanente offers many high-quality, convenient options to help …
Treatment for bipolar disorder and opiate addiction helps a Kaiser Permanente …
Learn why early screening is crucial for prevention and treatment.
A member’s cancer journey, which took her from patient to employee, reflects …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …
After a traumatic boating accident, Gabriela Curiel was airlifted to the …
Almost 16 million people in the United States have chronic obstructive …
A multidisciplinary care team acted fast to help save the life of a Kaiser …
Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center achieves Magnet® status, the highest …
When a Kaiser Permanente member discovered she had an irregular heartbeat …
A Southern California member with Parkinson’s disease underwent deep brain …
Member achieves bucket list goal of helping to build a Rose Parade float, …
A Kaiser Permanente member’s cancer journey inspires her to join the team …
New care option offers pregnant patients a mix of in-person and video visits.
A Kaiser Permanente physician shares why quick detection and expert treatment …
By lending a hand with dinners, diapers, and dishes, you can give loved …
By reaching out early and providing care that’s personalized to parents’ …
An innovative telehealth program gives patients direct access to pharmacists …