When Dhanya Damodaran’s eight-month-old son suddenly refused to feed from her right breast, a tiny alarm went off in her mind that led her to perform a self-examination. She discovered a strange dark vertical line along her breast.
“I did a search online, and when I saw that it could be a symptom of breast cancer, the panic set in,” she said.
She went with her husband to visit her family doctor that same day. The exam revealed a mass deep in her breast, leading to an urgent referral for an ultrasound and mammogram.
“The biopsy confirmed the worst—stage II triple positive breast cancer which spread to the lymph nodes. The weight of the diagnosis pressed heavily on both my husband and me. How could we break this news to our family back in India? What would become of our two young children? The flood of uncertainty—about treatments, our future, and our careers—consumed us.”
What followed was a gruelling three-year journey marked by numerous chemotherapy sessions, surgeries, and radiation treatments.
“Each step took a toll on my body and mind, and I struggled with the visible changes—my hair loss was particularly heart-wrenching,” she said.
As her cancer journey began, Dhanya received the support of a patient care navigator at Sunnybrook, a resource she credits with helping her manage the chaos of appointments, treatment plans, and the emotional toll of her diagnosis.
“During my treatment, I found immense comfort in the kindness of my patient navigator. Their empathy and guidance not only helped me cope with my situation but also inspired me to give back.”
Before becoming a patient navigator, Dhanya spent over 15 years working at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) as a registered nurse (RN). Her experience in various nursing roles—ranging from oncology to emergency care—equipped her with a deep understanding of patient needs and the complexities of the healthcare system. This foundation in clinical care was crucial as she transitioned into the role of a Patient Navigator.
Today, after being cancer-free for five years, Dhanya is a patient care navigator at SHN, guiding other breast cancer patients through their own treatment journeys. This is all thanks to a $5 million donation from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, which has funded five new patient navigator positions at SHN, covering areas like heart disease, severe wound care, and prostate cancer.
Her work focuses on ensuring patients feel informed, supported, and less alone. “The healthcare system can be so overwhelming, especially for someone newly diagnosed with cancer,” she says. “I remember feeling completely lost. Today, my goal is to help patients feel a little more in control.”
Patient care navigators like Dhanya are key to helping patients navigate the intricate details of their treatment plans. Navigators provide education, break down complex medical terms, and connect patients to a range of support services, from financial assistance to transportation. “Cancer treatment is hard enough on its own,” she says. “We try to take away some of the logistical and emotional burden so patients can focus on healing.”
For newly diagnosed patients, Dhanya advises learning as much as they can about their specific diagnosis and treatment options, finding a support system, and prioritizing mental health.
“Cancer is hard, but there are people here to help, from doctors to navigators to support groups. Leaning on those resources can make all the difference,” she says.
With Dhanya’s guidance, SHN breast cancer patients gain a valuable advocate who helps make the path forward clearer, one step at a time.
“Cancer changes everything in an instant but knowing someone’s there to guide you through the uncertainty can be empowering,” she says. “I’m grateful to be that someone for our patients.”