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].

Meeting patients where they are

Instead of patients having to navigate additional appointments, ColoCare Connect partnered with community clinics that were already providing care. These included BWell Medical & Wellness Center, Someone Cares, Bethesda Community Clinic and The Rouse Foundation.

Our partners provided patients with fecal immunochemical tests (FIT kits) that allowed them to complete colorectal cancer screening at home. During the grant period alone, the program distributed 435 FIT kits.

A strong community partner: BWell Medical & Wellness Center

One example of ColoCareConnect’s impact is BWell Medical & Wellness Center, which distributed more than 100 FIT kits and continues to collaborate with Wellstar to help people get screened.

The clinic serves a diverse population that includes working families, the elderly, underserved residents and people living in assisted living or personal care homes.

“Our focus is on accessible, patient-centered care that emphasizes prevention and early intervention,” said Vivian Adu-Aboagye, director of BWell Medical & Wellness Center. “Many of our patients face barriers such as transportation challenges, time constraints or limited access to preventive services.”

The partnership stood out because it offered a practical and patient-friendly solution.

“Many patients delay colon cancer screening due to fear, cost concerns or scheduling challenges related to their colonoscopy,” she added. “The FIT kits provide a convenient option that fits naturally into routine primary care visits.”

Making screening part of everyday care

At BWell, team members speak with patients during their visits to determine if they need colorectal cancer screening. They provide education and distribute kits during appointments, then follow up about returning the kit.

Patients have said they appreciate the privacy and convenience of the kits. Many of them had previously avoided screening due to concerns about invasive procedures or difficulty taking time off work. By removing common barriers, like transportation challenges, scheduling conflicts and fear, patients who may have otherwise skipped their colon cancer screenings were able to get checked.

Building toward healthier communities

ColoCare Connect demonstrates the power of community partnerships in advancing health equity. By equipping trusted local clinics with resources and support, the program expanded access to life-saving screening.

As the program continues, partnerships like these help ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to participate in early detection and receive follow-up care when needed. This ultimately improves outcomes and strengthens community health across the region.

Connecting patients to ongoing support

Screening is an important first step, but access to information and support beyond the clinic is also critical. Community members can use Wellstar Find Help to locate colorectal cancer screening programs, patient navigation services and financial assistance resources available in their ZIP code.

If your screening has an abnormal result, care teams can help coordinate next steps, answer questions about a colonoscopy and identify financial assistance options when needed. By pairing clinic-based screening with community-based support resources, Wellstar and its partners are working to ensure patients do not have to navigate the process alone.

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Healthcare provider listens to her patient's heart using a stethoscope

Highlights

How Wellstar’s Cardio-Oncology Program Protects Heart Health During Cancer Care

Cancer treatment can save lives—but for some people, it can also be hard on the heart.

Wellstar's Cardio-Oncology Program provides specialized care to address this risk. The program offers cancer-focused heart care that helps protect cardiovascular health before, during and after treatment.

Our cardio-oncology experts support people with cancer who have heart disease, are at high risk for heart problems or are receiving therapies that may affect heart function. By monitoring heart health and coordinating care, we help people receive the most appropriate cancer treatment while reducing the risk of heart complications.

Expertise in heart disease and cancer care

Researchers have identified a connection between cancer care and cardiovascular health, leading to the creation of cardio-oncology. At Wellstar, this specialized care is available in metro Atlanta and Augusta, expanding access for people across Georgia.

“Cardio-oncology exists because more people are surviving cancer and living long enough to face heart-related complications,” said Dr. Avirup Guha, a board-certified cardio-oncologist at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center and the first designated fellow of the International Cardio-Oncology Society in Georgia. “For some patients, cancer treatments can damage their heart. For others, they may have existing cardiovascular disease that needs careful management during cancer care. That requires expertise beyond cardiology—knowing how to modify therapy without causing harm.”

Cardio-oncologists are cardiologists with advanced training in how cancer therapies affect the heart. They help guide treatment decisions and work closely with oncology teams to ensure patients receive safe, effective care.

“A lot of oncology treatments are very effective for cancer, but the heart can become an innocent bystander,” said Wellstar Cardio-Oncologist Dr. Nikolas Krishna, who also specializes in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. “We advocate for these patients so their oncology and cardiology teams work together for the best possible outcome.”

Coordinated, team-based care

Multidisciplinary collaboration is central to Wellstar Cardio-Oncology. Cardiologists, oncologists, nurse navigators and other specialists communicate directly to align care and support both cancer outcomes and heart health.

“Our program helps address complications before they happen and streamlines care so people aren’t going back and forth between specialists,” Dr. Guha said.

Wellstar Cardio-Oncology teams partner with patients and families to understand risks and create a personalized plan. This may include imaging, blood tests and ongoing monitoring to detect early signs of heart conditions during chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation.

Additionally, Wellstar Cardio-Oncology nurse navigators—registered nurses with advanced training—provide compassionate guidance throughout the care journey.

“Nurse navigation plays a key role in educating patients and making sure they .understand their care plan,” said Dr. Guha. “It’s all about communication.”

Who can benefit from cardio-oncology care

Cardio-oncology care supports people from diagnosis through survivorship, especially when treatments or existing conditions may affect heart health.

You may benefit from cardio-oncology services if you have cancer or were treated for cancer within the past five years and you:

Have heart failure or another existing heart condition
Are at high risk for heart disease
Have experienced cardiovascular complications after cancer treatment
Require chemotherapy that may be cardiotoxic or radiation therapy to the chest

Some cancer treatments can weaken the heart muscle or alter heart function, making monitoring and early intervention essential. Therapies known to affect the heart include anthracyclines, platinum-based chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and fluoropyrimidines.

“Too often we see patients years after treatment when heart problems have already developed,” Dr. Krishna said. “By screening earlier and seeing patients upstream, we can prevent disease rather than treat it after it occurs.”

Support that extends into survivorship

When cancer treatment ends, Wellstar Cardio-Oncology teams continue monitoring heart health and providing preventive care tailored to each person’s history.

“Survivors may face accelerated cardiovascular risks years later,” said Dr. Krishna. “By continuing to screen and monitor, we can help catch any issues and protect their long-term health and quality of life.”

This ongoing care gives patients greater peace of mind as they navigate recovery.

“We want patients to know we are a layer of reassurance,” Dr. Krishna said. “They don’t have to worry about treatment hurting their heart—we are here to protect it so they can focus on healing.”

By combining advanced expertise, early monitoring and compassionate support, Wellstar’s Cardio-Oncology Program helps people face cancer with confidence.

Learn more about cardio-oncology services at Wellstar.

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