Wellstar PeopleCare | David's Prostate Cancer Recovery Journey

Support from all sides

Moving from preventative care to diagnosis to treatment was simple and seamless. When patients like David need specialized care, Wellstar ensures patients have access to cutting-edge treatments and expert physicians within the same network.

“Wellstar Health System allows a patient to be screened for prostate cancer from a young age by their primary care physician,” Dr. Nourparvar said. “Then, if there are any concerns in the screening, they can be seen by a urologist fairly quickly, and go on to get a diagnosis and treatment all within the system.”

David received a robotic prostatectomy, a high-tech treatment where the prostate is removed robotically by a surgeon. Because only a few small incisions are made with this surgical approach, the state-of-the-art procedure helps reduce scarring and pain, has the potential to preserve nerves as well as speeding up recovery time.

In fact, nearly all patients who receive a robotic prostatectomy are able to go home in less than 24 hours. Before being discharged, Dr. Nourparvar and his whole care team made sure David was on the road to recovery and still checked in often.

“After surgery, Dr. Nourparvar was the first person to stop and see me. It meant a lot to me,” David said, recalling the special moment. “The relationship I have formed with Dr. Nourparvar and the clinical team is very important to me.”

Fighting prostate cancer is a team effort, and no one knows that better than David’s wife, Marjane´. Along with the medical team’s support, Marjane´ was there by his side through it all.

“She is my backbone and has helped me through everything,” David said. “It’s not just the men going through this journey. It’s their spouses, their children, their support system — it’s a team effort.”

As a part of Wellstar’s Surgical Services team, Marjane´ is well versed in providing PeopleCare to patients every day. She was proud David could receive the same level of world-class level of care when he needed it most.

“As a team member in the health system, I’ve seen firsthand how care is provided at Wellstar,” Marjane´ said. “I believe Wellstar offers world-class healthcare to everyone we serve, whether it’s a team member or the patients we see on a daily basis.”

She supported her husband through treatment and recovery, never losing hope that everything would be okay in the end. The strong faith David and Marjane´ share even led them to turn their health experience into a way to support others.

Hope for other men

David’s personal journey with prostate cancer marked the start of a new one: helping other men fight back against prostate cancer.

“After my recovery, I felt like I had to do something to help others,” he said.

Since defeating prostate cancer, he has started a support group to encourage men with the same diagnosis. He strives to be the voice that men of all ages need to hear.

While David was growing up, several male figures in his life dealt with prostate cancer — but he only found out about their diagnoses after his own.

“My family members felt like they couldn’t talk about their prostate cancer experiences, so I never knew I had a history in my chart,” David said. “Now, I’m making sure to have those conversations with my son, grandson, nephews and loved ones.”

But David’s not only breaking the silence about prostate cancer with his family. He’s started a support group that helps men face prostate cancer with confidence.

“As men, we often internalize things and feel like we can’t talk about our issues, including health concerns. The more we open up and talk about our real issues, the more it helps the next person,” he explained.

At his prostate cancer support group held monthly at the Wellstar Development Center, David tackles difficult subjects about the disease, including how it may affect intimacy and personal relationships, so there is less stigma.

“I am having an open dialogue about the issues affecting men, so other people know they’re not alone. I want to be an advocate not just for myself, but for others as well,” David said.

For one group meeting, he even set up a date night event — complete with candles and soft music — to encourage couples to share their experiences in a safe, comfortable setting.

His efforts have had a major impact on men in the community who are dealing with the challenges of prostate cancer. The regular meetings and supportive atmosphere have allowed other people to open up and start conversations about the disease.

However, David still believes the most important discussions men should have are with their medical providers.

“Men always talk about sports and their stories from the past, but it’s time to have real conversations,” David said. “Go to the doctor, get your physical and be open about your family history. It’s important.”

Marjane´ echoed the same sentiment. “If you don’t go, you don’t know. Cancer and other diseases can be caught early. It’s up to you to schedule an appointment with your physician to get checked.”

As a prostate cancer survivor, David’s work has inspired dozens of men to get real about their health. But he’ll never forget the support he got from Wellstar along the way.

“I’m cancer-free, and I’m blessed.”

For more information about David's prostate cancer support group, email [email protected].