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Article Category: PeopleCare

BelindaCare

Former Music Teacher Composes Victory Over Cancer

Published on September 01, 2020

Last updated 03:14 PM October 15, 2020

Belinda Momon playing percussion.

Belinda Momon

Belinda Momon has been making music her whole life, encouraging elementary students to build good character, serving as band director, playing percussion and traveling with her church choir. There’s little that can stop this lifelong teacher and Douglas resident.

When Belinda was diagnosed with breast cancer, she knew she could fight it with the same passion she always applied to music. And her victory over the disease became her most important composition.

It all began as a pact between two sisters. After losing their mother to cancer, Belinda and her sister vowed to get mammograms every year. In 2017, everything looked normal until Belinda found a lump.

It was a Friday evening, and Belinda wasted no time and saw her physician.

At  Wellstar Douglas Medical Center's Imaging Center, the new mammogram confirmed she had cancer, underscoring the importance of paying attention to your body and discussing any changes with your doctor.

“My sister battled with breast cancer twice. She said ‘if I can get through this, you can get through this,’” Belinda remembers. “I felt encouraged.”


Personal care at every step

Belinda, who had just wrapped up her 30th year teaching, now had to draw up the same courage she had always instilled in her students.

“There’s so much life that I still need to live,” she said. “I’m not allowing breast cancer to stop me.”

As Belinda started her fight against cancer, she met a nurse navigator at Wellstar Douglas Medical Center who survived breast cancer herself. The nurse helped her make connections and appointments with cancer specialists. At Wellstar, personal connection is at the core of every physician, nurse and team member, extending beyond the walls of our hospitals. 
 
Belinda began chemotherapy treatment to shrink the tumor before surgery. She went to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center for a mastectomy — a full removal of the breast tissue and lymph nodes. Here, all her previous exams were readily available thanks to Wellstar’s electronic medical record, allowing for a seamless transition between facilities.

In the months following her surgery, Belinda underwent a daily schedule of radiation on the Wellstar Cobb Medical Center campus in Austell. The treatment drained her energy, but not her determination to live life to the fullest.

There’s so much life that I still need to live. I’m not allowing breast cancer to stop me.

- Belinda Momon

Breast Cancer Survivor

An educator at heart

Now cancer-free, Belinda is passing forward everything she learned as the VP of the Lean on Me Cancer Support Foundation.

“I’ve met people I would never have met if I hadn’t gone this walk. I encourage you to keep smiling. Our hair will grow back. We’re going to go back to work. We’re going to love our families,” she said. “Stay encouraged; it’s not a death sentence.”

Belinda retired from teaching, but education is still at the heart of her current role at the Douglas County School System, where she works part-time for the as an induction coach. In this position, she mentors early career teachers and helps them navigate the challenges of the classroom.

And Belinda’s advice for every woman?

“My prayer is that people get themselves checked out. Do not ignore it,” she urged. “Partner with physicians and the Lord and do what’s best for you and keep a smile on your face.”

Have you had a mammogram?

Screening for breast cancer at regular intervals can help catch breast cancer earlier — before symptoms appear — for better outcomes. Learn more about mammograms and find a location near you. Or call (678) 581-5900 to schedule your mammogram now.

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Kennestone Regional Medical Center Douglas Medical Center Cobb Medical Center
Cancer Care
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Doctor listening to patient's heart with stethoscope

Newsroom

Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has received several major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar’s cardiothoracic surgery program among the top in the nation. The Marietta-based heart care program received:

  • The coveted three-star rating in the following key areas from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart surgery in the U.S. and Canada. 
  • The prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Wellstar Kennestone was the first in Georgia to receive this certification.

These recognitions demonstrate Wellstar’s commitment to keeping advanced heart care close to home.

“These accomplishments speak volumes about the skill, precision and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Dr. Richard Myung, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”

Three-star STS rating

STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery. 

“This extraordinary recognition reflects the world-class quality of care offered by Wellstar,” said Lorrie Liang, president of Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Windy Hill. “To achieve this gold standard, a health system must demonstrate both clinical excellence and rigorous standards for follow-up care. At Wellstar, we provide all of this, along with a warm, people-centered experience. It’s what we call ‘PeopleCare.’”

These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.

“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of cardiovascular service line and hospital operations at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”

Among the three-star rankings is CABG. This procedure is commonly performed to treat people having a heart attack or other conditions including coronary heart disease with chest pain, multiple blocked coronary arteries or serious heart failure. The procedure is performed by cardiovascular surgeons at Wellstar Kennestone—Dr. Theresa Luu, Dr. James Burke and Dr. Richard Myung—who work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to give every patient the highest quality care at every step of the process, from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.

“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Wellstar Kennestone,” added Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program Karrie Davis. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care offers patients care close to home across Georgia communities at more than 25 cardiovascular locations, with more than 110 cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons standing ready to provide heart care for both routine and complex heart conditions. Wellstar also has one of the largest cardiovascular rehabilitation programs in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.

Certification by The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission has also awarded Wellstar Kennestone with a Gold Seal of Approval in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark and certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center for the third consecutive time.

For the certification, Wellstar Kennestone underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evaluating the care of the cardiac patient at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum with ongoing process improvement and health promotion for patients, as well as the community. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

The hospital first received the two-year certification in 2019. This recertification makes the third cycle—or sixth year—it has remained in place. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and remains the only one in the state to hold the comprehensive certification.

From prevention to post-cardiac event recovery, our well-connected and collaborative heart care team is dedicated to empowering you to regain your strength and independence. We offer top-quality cardiovascular care including diagnostics, treatment, psychological support and ongoing monitoring all focused on your well-being. Learn more about award-winning heart care at Wellstar.

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At 26, Maria receives chemotherapy as part of her breast cancer treatment plan, determined to complete her interior design degree on time.

PeopleCare

MariaCare

Maria Fernanda Ortiz was a college junior, pursuing a degree in interior design. But at just 26 years old, her life took an unexpected turn. She discovered a lump in her breast, which led to a cancer diagnosis and expert, multidisciplinary care at Wellstar that would shape her professional aspirations in the future. Maria feels her hopeful attitude and compassionate care team at Wellstar helped her come through treatment with positive outcomes.

Feeling heard in healthcare

After Maria discovered a lump, she initially saw a doctor who went through the motions but didn’t seem to take her concerns seriously. 

“He was so sure it was nothing because I am so young,” she remembered. “I didn’t think it was cancer, but I wanted someone who would get to the bottom of it.”

She then saw her OB/GYN who referred her to Dr. Laura Pearson, a Wellstar breast surgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center, for a second opinion. 

Maria got what she was looking for: a doctor who listened and would help her find answers. 

“Maria is the perfect example of a patient advocating for themselves,” Dr. Pearson said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do for someone her age who finds a lump. When it didn’t go away, she got it looked at. When she didn’t feel like she was being heard, she didn’t let it go.”

 

A surprising cancer diagnosis

Dr. Pearson immediately performed an ultrasound in the office, followed quickly by a biopsy, which came back positive for cancer. 

"The diagnosis was scary," Maria said. “Dr. Pearson made it as simple as possible to understand by making sketches. She took the time to answer my questions—and she gave me hugs.”

Dr. Pearson added, “I try hard to be methodical and build a story: ‘This is what this means. This is how it applies to you.’ It’s important for patients to understand their plan and how it’s based very specifically on their situation.”

Maria was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer, meaning it was a small tumor but had spread to a nearby lymph node. 

“The stage helps us understand how the patient is going to do with standard treatment,” Dr. Pearson explained. “At stage 2A, we’re looking at a 90% survival rate.”

Keep reading
Illustration of group of men

Highlights

Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men

Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.

About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.

“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.

Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.

“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

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