DavidCare: Prostate Cancer Survival & Support

Published on September 22, 2021

Last updated 12:22 PM September 22, 2021

There’s no question that David Moffett is a tough guy.

Having served as a Marine and law enforcement officer, he’s been a pillar of strength, both for his family and within the greater community. But after conquering prostate cancer with the help of Wellstar, David has found a new calling: supporting other men going through the same difficult diagnosis.

Since his recovery, David’s been on a mission to break barriers in men’s health. He has started a prostate cancer support group to teach a new meaning of “strength” and help men feel empowered to take charge of their health.

“Being a husband, father and grandfather, people have always looked to me as a leader. I am used to being the protector and being strong,” David said.

“Through my experience with prostate cancer, I’ve learned a man’s greatest strength is vulnerability. You don’t have to be Superman — being yourself and becoming your best advocate are enough,” he said.

With expert care and support from Wellstar, David redefined his role as a protector and learned to prioritize his own well-being too. Now, he’s spreading the message for other men to do the same.

Early detection is key

Unlike a lot of men, David never misses his annual wellness exam. Working as an Operations Coordinator at Wellstar, he knows the important role preventative care plays in overall wellness.

During his routine check-up with Wellstar Family Medicine Physician Dr. Thomas Gearhard in 2019, David’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was taken.

With just a simple blood draw, a PSA test can reveal the presence of prostate cancer or other health conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. When David’s test results revealed an elevated PSA level, Dr. Gearhard referred him to a urologist right away.

There, a nodule was discovered in David’s prostate. Following a biopsy, he was diagnosed with Stage II prostate cancer.

“Finding out that I had prostate cancer was devastating,” he said.

But David didn’t have to go through the battle alone. It wasn’t long before he found a trusted health partner in Wellstar Urologist Dr. Paymon Nourparvar. The pair formed a lasting bond as they both worked together to fight prostate cancer.

“Dr. Nourparvar was a blessing. He became like family to me,” David shared. “There was no question he wouldn’t answer, and no question we couldn’t ask. He made me feel like I could open up and talk about the journey I was on.”

Having an open dialogue with patients is a key part of Dr. Nourparvar’s care philosophy. Because he knows not one person is exactly alike, he always takes a personalized approach with every patient.

“There are a wide variety of treatments for people with prostate cancer, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to it,” Dr. Nourparvar explained. “I treat all my patients how I would like my family to be treated. I tailor all of my recommendations and treatments through that lens.”

Based on David’s age, physical health and lifestyle, Dr. Nourparvar felt surgery was the right path forward to treat prostate cancer. However, Dr. Nourparvar wanted to arm him with a breadth of knowledge to make the right choice for his body.

That’s why Dr. Nourparvar encouraged him to get a second opinion with a radiation oncologist — so David could know all the facts before committing to a care plan.

After hearing both treatment plans, David felt empowered to make an informed decision to treat the prostate cancer.

“Dr. Nourparvar was very transparent and made sure he had all the information to choose the right treatment path for me,” David shared. “Then, when my wife and I made the decision that surgery was our best option, I felt like I could make the right choice for my situation.”

It’s time [for men] to have real conversations. Go to the doctor, get your physical and be open about your family history. It’s important.

- David Moffett

Wellstar Prostate Cancer Survivor

Listen to David's Story

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].

Benefits of genetic testing

1. Understanding the cause of cancer

One of the most common questions from patients newly diagnosed with cancer is, "Why did this happen to me?" While many cancers are the result of environmental factors, aging and sporadic mutations, genetic testing can offer a more definitive answer. For patients with hereditary cancer, knowing their cancer is genetically driven can help ease feelings of uncertainty and guilt.

For many, this knowledge brings a sense of empowerment, as they now have the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their treatment and potential preventive measures for the future. This hereditary cancer risk was present since birth, and there was very little if anything the patient could have done differently throughout their life to prevent their diagnosis.

2. Personalized treatment options

For patients with cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate, identifying genetic mutations (like BRCA mutations) can open the door to personalized therapies. The earlier in the diagnostic process the genetic test is ordered, the quicker the patient can be matched with appropriate treatments.

Knowledge of genetic mutations can also guide surgical decisions. Patients with BRCA-positive breast cancer may be candidates for risk-reducing mastectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy—both of which can lower the risk of future cancers. These decisions are most effective when genetic results are available before surgery.

3. Identification of additional cancer risks

Cancer does not always occur in isolation, especially in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes. For instance, patients with Lynch syndrome, a leading cause of colorectal cancer, are also at increased risk for uterine cancer—up to 60%. If identified before a colon resection, this knowledge could allow a hysterectomy at the same time if necessary, minimizing the risk of a second cancer and optimizing care.

Beyond immediate cancer treatment, genetic testing can also lead to additional screenings that might otherwise be missed. For example, the ATM gene is a known contributor to prostate and breast cancer. But patients with an ATM gene mutation are also at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer. While general population screening is not typically recommended, high-risk patients should begin annual imaging and/or endoscopic ultrasounds as early as age 50 or 10 years before the earliest known pancreatic cancer in their family.

4. Informed decisions for family members

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t only affect the patient—it impacts their entire family. Once a genetic mutation is identified, relatives can undergo testing to assess their own cancer risk and talk to their care teams about screenings.

Testing the affected patient first is the most informative strategy for relatives. Patients with negative genetic test results can be reassured that relatives are not at significant risk for the same diagnosis.

The role of genetic counseling in cancer care

Genetic counselors provide the expertise necessary to interpret complex genetic results, discuss the implications for patients and their families, and offer psychological support throughout the process. Genetic counseling not only helps patients make sense of their genetic test results, but also provides them with the tools to make informed decisions about their health.

Counseling also helps address the emotional and psychological aspects of genetic testing, from potential feelings of anxiety to guilt and even empowerment. Research shows that genetic counseling has a positive impact on patient knowledge, reduces anxiety and can improve overall psychological well-being during a cancer journey.

Learn more about genetic counseling at Wellstar.

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Celebrating the ribbon-cutting at Wellstar's newest cancer care facility in Cartersville, Georgia

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Wellstar Expands Cancer Care in Cartersville

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — Community members, local officials and healthcare leaders gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Wellstar’s newest cancer care facility, marking a significant milestone in expanding oncology services for Bartow County. The facility began seeing patients Feb. 23, but the event offered the community its first look inside the expanded space and an opportunity to recognize the teams behind the project.

The nearly 15,000-square-foot building doubles local infusion capacity and adds space for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and other medical oncology ervices. The facility features 15 exam rooms, three triage rooms, 28 infusion chairs, eight blood draw stations, a dedicated laboratory, an on-site compounding pharmacy, and expanded areas for clinical consultations and care coordination.

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The new location expands cancer care with Wellstar and partners in care Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, enabling access to the latest therapies and strengthening collaboration among oncologists, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and support teams. In Cartersville, a dedicated team of two medical oncologists and four advanced practice providers now delivers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis. Patients also have access to supportive services, including genetic counseling, financial navigation and education with a clinical pharmacist.

Collage of staff and facility photos of Wellstar's cancer care facility in Cartersville, Georgia

“This space was designed with our patients’ needs in mind,” said Dr. Michelle Ojemuyiwa, a Wellstar oncologist and hematologist who practices in Cartersville. “With more room, additional infusion chairs and an on-site compounding pharmacy, we can care for more patients efficiently while maintaining the personalized, attentive approach they expect throughout their treatment.”

The new Wellstar cancer care facility is located at 65 Cloverleaf Drive in Cartersville.

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Attendees celebrate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wellstar Spalding Cancer Center

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Wellstar Spalding Medical Center Opens Cancer Center in Griffin

GRIFFIN, Ga. — Community leaders joined hospital executives Thursday as Wellstar Spalding Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open its new cancer center, improving access to oncology and infusion services for patients in Spalding County and the surrounding region.

The 6,475-square-foot expansion nearly doubles the hospital’s cancer treatment space and includes eight exam rooms, 14 infusion chairs, two blood draw stations, a dedicated lab, triage room, waiting area and administrative offices. An on-site infusion pharmacy will support chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and other outpatient treatments.

Care at the Wellstar Spalding Cancer Center is provided in partnership with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers (NGOC), with additional support from an oncology nurse navigator who coordinates care and guides patients through treatment.

“People should be able to receive high-quality cancer care close to home,” said Kevin Smith, president of Wellstar Spalding. “By expanding both our cancer services and the specialties that support early detection and treatment, we’re making it more convenient for our patients to get the care they need.”

NGOC oncologist Dr. Dhivya Prabhakar has joined the Wellstar Spalding Cancer Center, further enhancing access to oncology care. She will be joined by a second oncologist this summer.

“What matters most to patients is feeling supported and understood throughout their cancer journey,” Dr. Prabhakar said. “With this expansion, people can stay in their community surrounded by a care team that knows them, listens to them and helps them navigate every step with clarity, compassion and hope. Our goal is to meet people where they are and partner with them in their care so they never feel alone in the process.”

Hospital leaders also highlighted growth in related services since the project began. Wellstar Spalding now offers endocrinology, which plays a key role in identifying endocrine-related cancers such as thyroid, adrenal and some pancreatic tumors. The hospital has also added a general surgeon specializing in breast surgery, expanding local options for evaluation and surgical care.

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