I'm Their Only Patient

Empowered and Heard: Vanessa Spurlock’s Journey from Cancer Patient to Advocate

What if your doctor made you feel like you were their only patient? For Vanessa Spurlock, this was her reality—and it empowered her to take control of her own journey through breast cancer. With a deep sense of trust, respect, and care, Vanessa formed a unique partnership with her healthcare team at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center that allowed her to make informed decisions and navigate her treatment with confidence.

Without any prior knowledge of cancer, Vanessa’s providers took the time to educate her, patiently explaining her treatment options, reassuring her during tough times, and even encouraging her to seek a second opinion if she wished. This personalized care gave Vanessa the clarity and peace of mind she needed as she faced the unknown. Throughout her journey, she journaled her thoughts, discovering a new sense of freedom and strength within herself.

Now, six years into survivorship, Vanessa is on a mission to help newly diagnosed patients find that same freedom. By empowering others to find their voice and advocate for themselves, she’s giving back the kind of support that made such a difference in her own journey.

In this powerful episode, listen to Vanessa share how the right care, paired with her own inner strength, helped her rewrite her story and become a beacon of hope and guidance for others.

This work is a part of National Patient Advocate Foundation's Shared Decision-Making at Critical Points in a Long Illness Journey, a project made possible in part by support from the Danaher Foundation.