Last spring, Nancy Bassett made an appointment with Kim Penland, NP, at Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine. It had been more than 20 years since Nancy had seen a doctor, but she was struggling to catch her breath and was constantly exhausted. Her family urged her to make an appointment, but she wanted to find the “right fit” in a care provider. When she watched Kim’s video on Parkview’s website, she immediately felt a connection.
Seeking answers
During her initial visit, Kim took the time to listen to Nancy and get to know her. She gave Nancy a list of tests she wanted her to complete as soon as possible. One of those tests was a mammogram, which uncovered early-stage breast cancer. But that wasn’t Nancy’s only immediate health risk.
By the time she met Dr. Lindsay Hardley at Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute (PFCI) for her pre-surgery consultation, Nancy barely had enough energy to stand. She was referred to Dr. Patrick Gregory, a cardiologist at Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC), who soon discovered she had dangerously low hemoglobin levels – severe anemia. She was immediately admitted to the PRMC Emergency Department (ED). Despite having never seen an ED in her entire life, Nancy felt comforted by the attentive care she received from every single person she encountered at Parkview. After several days of rest and five units of blood, Nancy was finally able to catch her breath.
Following her surgery to remove the cancer, Dr. Melanie Clark recommended that Nancy join her local YMCA’s Livestrong™ program, a small-group program for those who are living with or beyond cancer. She had never been to the YMCA before, but after a few sessions with the program’s personal trainer and three other members of her Livestrong group, she added this suggestion to her growing list of reasons to thank Parkview.
Continuing her health journey, Nancy learned she had an ovarian cyst that would need to be surgically removed. But at this point, she was no longer afraid of needing medical care. She knew she would be in good hands with Parkview. And she was.
Reflecting on how it all came together
“I’m very grateful for how well the care teams worked together during my breast cancer journey with Dr. Hardley’s office,” Nancy said. “Dr. Hardley never rushed our appointments, and she always took the time to address my questions and concerns. Her team was consistent, responsive, professional and polished, and it was clear they were communicating and coordinating behind the scenes to keep my care moving forward.”
From her cancer care team to the ER to cardiology, Nancy felt as though the interventions were swift and seamless. “I was guided to the next right step without delay. That coordination helped connect the dots quickly and ultimately led me to the right care at the right time. My care plan was clearly communicated as things developed, and I appreciated how the teams kept track of the bigger picture while also focusing on what needed to happen immediately.
“All of these doctors and staff treated me exceptionally well. I especially want to praise the wonderful nurses who cared for me—Nurse Kiosha and Nurse John. Their attentiveness, communication and steady support made an overwhelming time feel manageable, and it helped everything feel more coordinated and seamless.”
Above everything else, it was the teamwork that impressed Nancy. “What stood out to me most was how everyone worked as one team—orders, results, referrals and next steps did not feel disconnected, and I didn’t feel like I had to chase information or coordinate things myself. I truly love Parkview, and the care I received has changed my life—I am standing here today because of it.”
The path forward
Nancy is now cancer-free. She walks three miles every morning and has lost 80 pounds in just over a year.
As someone who had been reluctant to seek medical attention when experiencing health problems, Nancy has become a different person. She is now an avid cheerleader for preventative care and healthy living. She participates in the Auburn Christmas parade with a breast cancer awareness float, and she recently joined Parkview’s volunteer network. She even visits the cafeteria at PFCI for coffee sometimes because that’s her “happy place.”
In a patient feedback survey, Nancy shared, “Thank you to Parkview and all the doctors and nurses who put me back together. I will forever be grateful!”
We too are grateful that Nancy trusted Parkview with her care, and we are inspired by the tremendous progress she has made on her health journey. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your story with us. We are proud you found your “happy place” at Parkview.
