Joanne, Former Business Consultant, San Francisco

My initial experience with Linda was when I was in crisis, after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in October 2019.

Having access to her knowledge and expertise (with her extensive history of a nursing and medical background) in navigating the health care system was extraordinarily helpful with all the medical decisions that needed to made rather quickly.

Linda assisted me by making sure my diagnosis was accurate and encouraged me to get a second opinion at UCSF. She helped me to understand the implications of my diagnosis and possible treatments, along with the various types of physicians I would be interacting with. Since my first biopsy was described as a poor quality specimen, Linda helped facilitate my getting a second biopsy, which provided additional vital information for my current treatment plan.

I was bombarded with various decisions & planning that I had to act on fairly quickly. It was a tremendous relief to have Linda by my side to offer her expertise on advance care planning & the pros and cons of various treatment options. She helped me prepare for my oncology appointments by preparing & working on an agenda that we both participated in so it would ensure I get my questions answered.

Linda helped decrease my anxiety by explaining genomic sequencing, biomarker testing, the possible side effects of my chemotherapy& immunotherapy treatments. My siblings live out of state & it was a great relief to have Linda available to answer their many questions & concerns when I did not have the energy to do this myself.

Even during the Covid-19 crises, Linda has continued to monitor my CT reports, blood work & have phone conferences with myself & my Oncologist. My last CT Scan indicated almost no tumors present!

Linda has and still provides continuous emotional support & guidance throughout my care. I highly recommend Linda, as her knowledge & wisdom are invaluable resources, especially during critical times of need.

Kate, Colorado

I hired Linda to work with my father over a period of 1 1/2 years telephonically. My father was still
running his business, but had end stage renal disease, along with many other health challenges. Although Linda and my father live in one state and I live in another state, Linda was able to accomplish the goals I set forth for my father and provide valuable health information that I was not getting from his multiple health care providers.

She was able to review his medical records, educate and coach me on my father’s numerous diagnoses and symptom and provide a list of pros and cons when treatments where recommended from the medical team.

When my father was hospitalized for pneumonia, she was able to provide beneficial information on questions I could ask his physicians in the hospital and the discharge planner. She was able to communicate with these health care individuals while he was in the hospital as well, deriving additional information that I was unable to get on my own.

Linda was able to develop a wonderful relationship with my father over the phone, along with providing my mother the extra support she needed during this time.

I highly recommend Linda, as her knowledge and wisdom are invaluable resources, especially during critical times of need.

Kate in Colorado

#advocacy #chronic

Dr. Cohen, Palo Alto, CA

​I was able to contact Linda to assist me with two health issues. I wanted to hire Linda to take some of my health information and put it in chronological order.

She saved me valuable time I did not have for this task, which enabled me to discuss my health problems with different specialty physicians in a more efficient manner.

The second issue Linda assisted me with was attending the appointment with my Oncologist to review my options for treatment of breast cancer. Together we created an agenda for my appointment with important questions I needed to have addressed by my Oncologist. She was able to take notes during the exam, as well as bring up questions I had forgotten to ask.

This helped me with all the decisions I had to make regarding treatment options surgeries and my recovery.

She was an Excellent Patient Advocate and the kind of person you want by your side when you need to make complex decisions.

#cancer

Debra in San Rafael, CA

I hired Linda as a patient advocate several years ago when I had a sudden onset of a detached retina in my right eye and felt that she contributed to my successful recovery. In one of our most healing sessions, she helped me using interactive guided imagery. Twelve years later, I found myself recovering from a more complex, four hour retinal surgery in my left eye. Linda came to the rescue again. Initially, I could not even drive, read, use the computer or watch television. Linda was great in providing advice to assist me with managing my home care and routine activities of daily living. She helped me to relax by using her expertise in mind-body relaxation techniques. Linda has been a blessing in developing an approach to re-starting part-time work. She also provided excellent advice to help me complete my state medical disability forms. She helped me to communicate more effectively with my physician to obtain medical updates relating to my progress in response to human resources requests from the company where I work. Linda would be an enormous asset to anyone facing a challenging health issue because of her insights and unique combination of advocacy skills and nursing expertise.

#advocacy

Eileen, San Francisco, CA

I hired Linda to work with a friend of mine in her early twenties who lives in New York City. My friend had a health problem that required her to see a Gynecologist and was informed she may have a pre-cancerous cervical condition. She was scared and unable to react fast enough to even get to a physician in a timely manner. Linda recommended that my friend also see a second gynecological physician who has successfully treated several patients with this problem. Linda’s great advocacy and health coaching skills resulted in an extremely satisfying outcome. Linda was able to accomplish the following: Quickly assess my friend’s health situation, outline what needed to be done and had her seeing both physicians within the next 8 days. Linda helped her understand her condition in easy to understand terms and assisted in preparing for both of her medical appointments with a couple of short coaching sessions on the phone. Linda gave my friend a better understanding of her condition. This gave my friend a greatly needed sense of confidence to deal with the medical world and her own health problem. Most importantly, Linda relieved my friend of her fears.

#advocacy #wellness #remote #cancer

Linda, Silicon Valley, CA

I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. Although I have held high power positions in the past, I was scared and at a loss as to how to proceed. I hired Linda to help me navigate all of the complicated aspects of my care.

She helped me find an Oncologist at Stanford where my primary cancer care was administered. Linda helped guide and teach me about my diagnosis, treatment options, the potential side effects of each option and possible clinical trials.

Linda provided me with extraordinary compassion and support. Her nursing background made her extremely knowledgeable and provided me the best care possible.

The PleurX system includes a drainage catheter and drainage bottles that collect fluid. The catheter is inserted, typically as a simple outpatient procedure

Her questions to my Oncologist about having a pulmonary consultation to evaluate if I was a good candidate for a PleurX system drainage catheter to relieve the excessive fluid building in my lungs every 3 or 4 days. This prevented me from having to drive to Stanford twice a week for repeat uncomfortable outpatient procedures called a thoracentesis. I was taught how to drain the fluid myself and after a few times could do on my own when necessary. This made it much easier to climb stairs, perform household and social activities and greatly relieved and reduced my breathing difficulties.

Linda was instrumental in my getting a second biopsy on an enlarged lymph node on the side of my neck to see if I should have radiation to prevent metastasis to my brain and her recommendation was invaluable and I believe extended my life. She also thought ahead to ask for a prescription for oxygen before it was medically necessary, so I could possibly avoid a visit to an emergency room in the middle of the night.

During this time Linda assisted me in getting a second opinion with UCSF, to verify my treatment plan and recommendations.

Linda assisted me in interviewing possible home health aides, so I would have these resources ready when the time came for this type of home health assistance.

I highly recommend Linda, as her knowledge and wisdom are invaluable resources, especially during critical times of need.

#cancer #chronic

Carol in San Mateo, CA

We were at our wits end trying to help our sister. She had multiple doctors, cabinets full of medications, confusion on what was wrong, and no answers. Linda helped us sort through the turmoil and advocate for her. She managed numerous complex diagnoses & symptoms, as well as communications with a multitude of physicians & caregivers. By attending physician appointments, along with her numerous years of nursing experience and expertise, Linda was able to provide updated education & coaching regarding the multiple health challenges we faced, including an understanding of how numerous diagnoses can affect each other. She advocated for our sister, educating her about the specialists on her team and the various treatments each would be providing. Linda possesses excellent communication skills, sensitivity & has an excellent rapport with all health professionals & caregivers she has interacted with. She was able to provide transition support and guidance from independent to assisted living to our sister, who was initially very resistant to move. She is now very pleased to be in this new facility. Linda assisted our family in becoming empowered health care consumers & made a daunting situation completely manageable.

#advocacy #chronic

Karen in Washington, DC

Before I took a job out of state, I used caregivers to assist with my mother’s independent living. When she moved to assisted living, I thought “outside” assistance would be unnecessary. I was wrong. While regular meals and on-time meds were no longer a problem, what I did need was a set of local “eyes and ears” who could accompany my mother to medical and dental appointments and who could act as her advocate. Linda has been exceptional in every regard. Linda not only makes appointments and transports my mother to each, she provides timely, detailed reports and provides me with her own observations on each visit; she insures medications are appropriate and updated. I am convinced I would use Linda’s services to some degree, even if I wasn’t 3,000 miles away! Linda’s thoroughness and obvious medical expertise allow her to raise questions and address issues which might otherwise go unnoticed; and her continuing advocacy and vigilance have prevented health crises, and unnecessary hospitalizations from occurring: the neurologist considered a second medication for Alzheimer’s that dramatically improved my mother’s mood; the cardiologist decreased her cardiac medications resulting in a more stable heart rate; a physical therapy referral after observing an unsteady gait, made my mother physically stronger walking with a cane. My mother recently turned 90, is medically stable and has an enhanced quality of life, Thanks to Linda.

BACK STORY: Carol contacted me feeling desperate and stressed at being unable to handle all of her sister-in-law’s multiple chronic and acute diagnoses.  The family could not attend all of the physician appointments, coordinate the needed surgery, get second opinions or understand  the medical questions and decisions they were asked to provide feedback on from various physicians. What also exacerbated the situation, was the sister-in-law’s feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty remembering what she was told from each physician.

#advocacy

Terry, Tiburon, CA

I have rheumatoid arthritis with joint stiffness and soreness throughout my body. Although I had been enrolled in a physical therapy program for 6 weeks, I was not progressing very much. I contacted Linda for wellness coaching and to learn some Pilates mat exercises. Linda helped me develop a highly effective exercise program that I can easily do on my own at home in a reasonable and doable time frame. The result has been less pain and stiffness as well as an increase in range of motion, flexibility and muscle tone. I feel Linda took a genuine interest in my well being and also provided me with lifestyle and nutritional guidance to help reduce inflammation, control pain and joint stiffness as well as to help prevent flare-ups of my arthritis. Her health guidance and supportiveness have been a tremendous benefit to me. I found Linda to be a very knowledgeable nurse advocate and health coach and I would highly recommend her services for health-related problems as well as wellness, exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health.

#wellness

Helen, San Jose, CA

I have worked with Linda intermittently over the past eight years for three complicated surgeries I have needed on my left knee. Linda’s advocacy on my behalf facilitated my medical treatment, by giving me guidance on the different treatment options available for my orthopedic problems, arranged a second surgical opinion, offered education on my medications & even provided the names of some orthopedic surgeons who accepted my medical insurance. She also provided my physician with the names of some excellent physical therapists near my home, as well as suggesting the type of equipment I would need for home use following my surgeries. Although I needed pain medication after each surgery, I experienced a smoother recovery from Linda’s expert planning & discussions with my physician. She provided me with different options so I could make informed choices about my surgeries, treatment plans & pain medications. I have incorporated many wellness strategies she provided to me & feel I will be able to maintain these changes in my life for years to come. Linda’s nursing expertise & advocacy were invaluable to my recovery. She was extraordinary knowledgeable and resourceful and I will continue to use her services for my health problems in the future.

#advocacy

Carolyn, Alameda, CA

I have had bilateral knee surgeries [3 surgeries on each knee, including a left knee replacement], moderate arthritis, severe degeneration & scoliosis. I hired Linda as a patient advocate to get more information on stretching to slow down my arthritis, nutrition and wellness recommendations. I had been a long distance biker rider and wanted to continue with this activity for as long as possible.

She gave me suggestions on excellent fitness instructors, had some wonderful suggestions on which foods & ingredients that could be contributing to my inflammation, along with those food sources that would be helpful for healing and lower the amount of inflammation in my body. She provided me on what home care products could be harmful to my health, with recommendations on cleaner products, as well as how I can reduce my exposure to unsafe chemicals in my cosmetics & personal care products.

Linda is a great advocate for maintaining one’s health. I experienced positive changes in how I felt physically and emotionally and ended up with more energy and stamina. Her guidance, support and calmness were invaluable.
#advocacy

Cheryl, Alameda, CA

I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months after moving to Alameda from Nova Scotia, Canada. I was unfamiliar with health insurance issues in the US, but luckily I found Nurse Health Advocate, Linda Garvin. Linda helped me navigate the health system and assisted me in making critical decisions about complex treatment recommendations. Linda helped me develop a detailed list of questions for my surgeons and oncologists. Together we reviewed different treatment options specific to my type of cancer. We discussed my diet, cancer fighting food choices prudent for pre-surgery and radiation therapy and prevention of further cancer. Linda encouraged me to develop a personal health record that has proven to be a great tool for physician’s appointments, surgery and emergencies, as well as a post surgical discharge list in preparation for my recovery at home. Her professionalism, knowledge, expertise and compassion were invaluable to me at a time when informed decisions and support were critical to me and my family. Linda is a superb Nurse Health Advocate; definitely someone you want on your team whenever you or a family member is facing threatening or difficult health care situations.

BACK STORY: I received a call from Cheryl who had only lived in the United States a few months before her diagnosis of breast cancer. She was unfamiliar with our health care system,  insurance coverage, treatment protocols and understanding the pro’s and con’s of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and numerous other issues around this new diagnosis.

I was able to help her be organizing information in a manner she could understand, provided questions for her to ask her Oncologist, pre and post surgical tips to avoid infections, as well as discharge preparation after surgery. She made decisions which she was comfortable with and had an excellent recovery. She has been cancer free for several years.

#advocacy #cancer

Dr. Terry Whitten, Santa Rosa, CA

I contacted Linda for wellness coaching and to learn some Pilates mat exercises. Linda helped me develop a highly effective exercise program that I can easily do on my own at home in a reasonable and doable time frame. I have had an increase in range of motion, flexibility and muscle tone. I feel Linda took a genuine interest in my well being and also provided me with lifestyle and nutritional guidance. Her support has been a tremendous benefit to me. I found Linda to be a very knowledgeable nurse advocate and health coach and I would highly recommend her services for health-related problems as well as wellness, exercise and nutrition strategies for optimal health.

#wellness

Debbie Ryan, Alameda, CA

I sought Linda out because I have chronic rheumatoid arthritis and was looking for the expertise of a nurse. Her health guidance & couching have been a tremendous benefit to me. She provided me with food and beverage recommendation that I believe have decreased the amount of inflammation in my body, as well as educating me about how to avoid the toxins & chemicals in my personal care products. Linda helped me initiate a gentle home exercise program that I can perform independently in my house. These exercises have increased my strength and flexibility, which have helped decrease the stiffness & pain in my body. She assisted me with the types of questions I need for my follow-up appointments with my physician & provided me with some wellness strategies to prevent exacerbation of my health condition in the future. Linda’s health coaching and strategies she provided me have improved my communication and decision making with my physician and I now feel that I have more control over my health problems. I would highly recommend using Linda as a patient advocate and health coach.

#chronic

Ed Alter

My father lives in St Louis and was experiencing a variety of health problems due to an intense pain in his hip. He wasn't interested in seeing his doctor and was unclear about his options for physical therapy. Through a phone consultation, Linda gave me great recommendations for my dad’s home rehabilitation, which included suggestions on how to approach him on the issue, a clear breakdown of all medical his options and an explanation of how to find rehabilitative providers near his home. The strategies we put in place, based on Linda recommendations, have made my father stronger and able to remain in his home longer. I found Linda to be a wonderful combination of compassion, expertise and resourcefulness.

BACK STORY:  Desperate to get quick answers, Ed needed recommendations for his Father as soon as possible, since he could only communicate with both his father and the medical team telephonically. I made several recommendations for home rehabilitation and home safety, as well as who to contact, which had not been proceed to Ed.

His father made a healthy and safe recovery.

#advocacy

Carolyn Mason

Linda cares deeply that individuals have the information necessary to make informed decisions about their health care. What I appreciate most about the methods she uses is that she takes every facet into consideration, not just nutrition and exercise. Linda educates and informs about the products we put on our bodies as well as those we put in our bodies. The result is a well rounded picture of care that is presented in a respectful and empathic manner.

#wellness

Jeannie Egbert

I hired Linda as a nurse for my mother who had chronic back pain and mobility issues. Linda’s communication with my sister and I was excellent. She e-mailed us with her assessment on each of her visits, along with her recommendations. Linda provided my sister [who lives with my mother], helpful and significant questions to ask the orthopedic physician. My mother started doing the exercise routine given to her by the physical therapist, after Linda got on the floor with my mother to review and perform these exercises together. Linda also taught my mother some simple visualization and relaxation techniques, which she was able to use to help manage her chronic pain. Linda additionally provided very helpful information on safety and comfort issues including bed rails, nonskid rugs, and different types of back support. Linda’s gentle and caring approach was very beneficial to my mother and I would highly recommend her.

#advocacy