Article Category: PeopleCare

JohnCare

Published on October 14, 2020

Last updated 07:18 PM October 14, 2020

A master of everything Mardi Gras, John runs a local krewe and is a natural at building parade floats from the foundation up.

It seems "defeat" just isn't in John Cashen's vocabulary. A survivor in more ways than one, John has overcome not only a catastrophic natural disaster, but also fought cancer with unyielding resilience.

In 2005, as flood waters from Hurricane Katrina rose and threatened his New Orleans home, John took an axe to his attic's ceiling, climbed atop his roof and tied himself to his chimney so he wouldn't be swept away. Days later, no help had arrived, so John untied himself and swam to an overpass where he was rescued by a helicopter. He joined the rest of his family in Georgia.

Since then, John has become a proud citizen of LaGrange. A master of everything Mardi Gras, John runs a local krewe and is a natural at building parade floats from the foundation up. But when he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, he summoned his fighting spirit, squared his shoulders, and faced his cancer journey head on.

For patients like John, there’s a lot of different aspects we take into consideration when creating a treatment plan. We pull all factors together—like general health, medicines, personal preferences and family concerns—to create the best care plan possible.

- Dr. Robert Taylor

Wellstar Radiation Oncologist

Listen to John's story

A Troubling Diagnosis

It all began with lung discomfort and tiredness that he just couldn't shake, no matter how much sleep he had each night. Concerned, he visited his primary care provider to get to the bottom of the issue.

After John's vital signs revealed low blood pressure, the doctor sensed something bigger might be happening behind the scenes. John underwent diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and x-rays, to find the cause of his fatigue.

"When the x-rays came back, my doctor noticed a spot in the upper left lobe of my lungs," John said, remembering the fuzzy dot on the X-ray screen. "I had been feeling tired and run down, but overall, I didn't feel that bad."

The troubling results pointed to a clear answer: lung cancer. Even though John didn't notice many red flags when it came to his health, his body was battling a disease he couldn't see.

According to Mayo Clinic, many patients may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. Once the warning signs—such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and hoarseness—set in, the disease may already be at an advanced stage.

After a round of CT and PET scans, the concerning lung spot appeared to be growing in size, even after just a short few days.

Without delay, John was on a mission to find the right health partner to treat his lung cancer before it had the chance to spread.

Cutting-Edge Cancer Care

Soon after the concerning x-ray results, John sought out the medical opinions of several different doctors. All of the professionals recommended a biopsy and other surgical means to treat his cancer.

However, John was firmly against any invasive treatments. That's when he crossed paths with Wellstar Radiation Oncologist Dr. Robert Taylor, who suggested a solution.

"When John first came into the office, he was very worried about the prospect of surgery," Dr. Taylor said, recalling their first meeting at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. "He knew about many cancer treatments and was seeking the least invasive option possible."

After discussing John's concerns about surgery, the physician suggested an innovative cancer treatment called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR).

"SABR is like virtual surgery. Using X-ray technology, you can "reach" inside of a patient and virtually cut out the tumor," Dr. Taylor explained. "When the patient leaves a treatment session, they feel the same as when they entered. There is no surgery or downtime."

For John, this was the perfect, non-invasive option to take care of his cancer, quickly and effectively. He also left the consultation feeling like an equal partner in the process.

"Dr. Taylor explained everything to me clearly," John said. "He knew I wasn't a physician, so he spoke to me in a way that I could understand and laid out all my treatment options."

When building a custom care plan for any patient, Wellstar always takes a personalized approach.

"For patients like John, there's a lot of different aspects we take into consideration when creating a treatment plan," Dr. Taylor shared. "We pull all factors together—like general health, medicines, personal preferences and family concerns—to create the best care plan possible."

With a clear path forward and renewed hope, John felt confident trusting Wellstar with his lung cancer care.

Care Right Around the Corner

A short time later, John began SABR treatments at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. With the most advanced cancer technology right in LaGrange, he didn't have to travel out of his way for treatment.

For the hard-working father and grandfather, the access to quick and convenient cancer treatments fit right into his busy schedule.

"Typically, this type of radiotherapy is delivered in about five separate treatments, in 30-minute intervals," Dr. Taylor said, explaining how the specialized treatment works. "The sessions are often done just a few days apart."

Without any incisions or other invasive measures, SABR uses concentrated radiation beams to target tumors precisely. Because his lung cancer was localized, the focused doses could treat the affected areas without damaging the healthy tissues.

Dr. Taylor was pleased with John's health progress throughout the treatment, and his prognosis was quickly looking up.

"John had no side effects and responded very well to treatment," said Dr. Taylor. "One time, he even asked if the machine was turned on because he couldn't feel a thing."

From start to finish, John kept a positive attitude about his cancer care. "The treatments weren't painful. It was a half-hour long, so just long enough for a good nap."

Wellstar offered support every step of the way, addressing John's concerns and crafting an effective cancer treatment plan. But the care didn't end when he left the building.

"During my treatment, the Wellstar team helped me through everything. Afterward, they would call me often to see how I was feeling and ask if I was eating enough," John beamed. "Wellstar is full of caring people. It's not just for show."

The radiation sessions were successful. Just months after the initial diagnosis, John was pronounced cancer-free. His yearly scan and monthly check-ins have all shown no signs of the disease returning either.

Now, John can get back to life and what really matters: planning his annual Mardi Gras parade for family and friends. Moving forward, he will always consider Wellstar to be an essential part of his health krewe.

"My Wellstar care team made me feel like I was a person, not an object they were trying to fix. Nobody treats you like Wellstar."

Halting Hereditary Cancers

Genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10% of cancers. A patient with a family history of cancer who learns they have specific genetic mutations can partner with their provider to be more proactive, whether that involves screening, lifestyle changes or medical treatments. Taking a few proactive steps could prevent cancer, even if the patient’s genetics may put them at a higher risk.

Genetic testing can also benefit cancer patients and empower their whole families with important information. If a cancer patient learns they carry a mutation, it can help relatives decide if they could benefit from genetic testing. Also, people who have certain cancers and also have specific DNA sequences may benefit from targeted therapies.

Some possible signs of hereditary cancer include:

Unusually early age of cancer onset
Multiple primary cancers in a single patient
Cancer in paired organs (such as in cancer in both breasts)
Multi-generational cancers
Rare tumors
An unusual presentation, such as male breast cancer
Belonging to an ethnic group known to be at high risk for hereditary cancers
No environmental explanation for the cancer

Some gene mutations can increase your cancer risk, so if your provider finds that you are affected, they may recommend increased screenings and other precautions to monitor your health.

TP53: This gene produces a protein that slows down tumor growth. Mutations in this gene can cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which puts patients at an increased risk for developing some cancers.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Mutations in these genes increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and male breast cancer.
PTEN: This gene also stops tumor growth. Mutations in this gene are associated with Cowden syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of breast, thyroid, endometrial and other forms of cancer.

Take charge of your health — and maybe help out a family member, too — by learning more about how your genetics could affect your cancer risk. Call (470) 793-7472 to book an appointment with a Wellstar genetic counselor. Both in-person and virtual visits are available. Learn more at wellstar.org/cancercare.

Newsroom

Wellstar Health System Partners with Morehouse School of Medicine's National COVID-19 Resiliency Network to Support and Informed At-Risk Populations

Responding to vital needs among vulnerable communities during the pandemic, Wellstar is the first Georgia-based health system to become a national partner in new initiative

Wellstar Health System has joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) of partners to further inform community-driven response, recovery, and resiliency strategies for addressing the impact of COVID-19 on communities.

In response to the needs of at-risk communities across the health system’s service areas, Wellstar has partnered with the MSM-NCRN and its 40 network partners across the U.S. to collaborate on offering COVID-19-related services to disproportionately impacted communities. As a not-for-profit system dedicated to providing “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” Wellstar is committed to addressing inequities that impact the health and well-being of people and communities through more than 450 community partnerships, Wellstar Community Health initiatives, and activities led by the Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE).

One of the most critical barriers to health during the pandemic has been consumer access to reliable, science-based, culturally appropriate, and native language information resources, which the partnership will facilitate. Wellstar is the first Georgia-based health system to become a national partner in this important, new initiative.

“Wellstar is pleased to partner with Morehouse School of Medicine to provide vital information and resources for at-risk communities,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “The NCRN is a strong complement to the important work that our Wellstar Center for Health Equity is doing, and we are thankful for the collaboration.”

Morehouse School of Medicine’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network Builds Community Resiliency

The MSM-NCRN coordinates a strategic and structured national network of national, state/territorial/tribal and local public and community-based organizations that, together, will work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority and rural populations. The network helps to provide awareness of culturally appropriate health education information and linkage to care, helping organizations and families recover from pandemic difficulties. In addition to educational and informational resources in at least 10 languages to accommodate cultural competency, initiatives will include COVID-19 testing, vaccinations following phases directed by DPH, training opportunities for community leaders.

“Our national network connects individuals, families, community organizations and clinical providers to timely and relevant COVID-19 information and services in their neighborhood,” says Dominic Mack, MD, MBA, professor of family medicine and director of the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network in the National Center for Primary Care at MSM.

“Morehouse School of Medicine’s National COVID-19 Resiliency Network is designed to not only provide structure to the resources that are on the ground-level fighting this pandemic but is an important resource for our partners in serving the underserved and getting people the healthcare they need,” said Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD., MSM president and dean. “Organizations such as Wellstar here in Georgia, its Wellstar Center for Health Equity, and the partnerships we cultivate, are critically important to the mission of health equity and in fighting and defeating COVID-19.”

Wellstar Center for Health Equity Addresses Health Inequities across Georgia

The WCHE addresses health inequities across Georgia to enhance the health and well-being of the people and communities served by Wellstar. Through partnerships such as the one with MSM-NCRN, the WCHE implements multi-disciplinary approaches to address deeply entrenched social disparities and healthcare gaps. Programs led by the WCHE over the past year include walk-up, pop-up COVID-19 family testing; distribution of masks and safety kits to at-risk communities; Congregational Health Network communications, collaboration, information, and support; Spanish-language educational information for Latinx communities; a technology-driven Community Transformation initiative for local non-profits; joint Webinars on health equity topics in collaboration with Partnership for Southern Equity, Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI), and Georgia Health Policy Center; and a series of “Mobile Market” free farmer’s market-style grocery shopping experiences for hundreds of families with Goodr.

The partnership between Wellstar and MSM-NCRN will extend the organizations’ reach and resources to enhance information access and drive positive impact.

The NCRN launch follows a $40 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to coordinate a strategic network focused on delivering COVID-19-related information to communities hardest hit by the pandemic. The launch of the NCRN occurs alongside the release of new digital technology accessible through the NCRN website. It provides location-based recommendations on where community members can get a COVID-19 test or receive a COVID-19 vaccine when distribution increases in the coming months.

Learn more about our COVID-19 vaccine updates. To access MSM-NCRN COVID-19 resources, visit www.msm.edu/ncrn.

ABOUT MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation’s number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission—the creation and advancement of health equity. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master’s degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit www.msm.edu or call (404) 752-1500.

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Highlights

High-Tech Cancer Care at Wellstar

At Wellstar, we treat more than patients. We treat people—friends, family, neighbors—who are wholly unique. That’s why our cancer specialists never use a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to your care.

As soon as you are diagnosed with cancer, we provide expert and tailored care that can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. Our multidisciplinary oncology teams rely on the latest research, innovative treatments and world-class technology to target tumors with precision.

No matter your diagnosis or stage of disease, our cancer experts can create the best and most effective treatment plan for you.

Expert, Personalized Cancer Care

Our dedicated oncology team includes board-certified oncology physicians and surgeons, nurse navigators, registered dietitians and genetic specialists, who are ready to fight alongside you at the first signs of cancer.

Whether you live in the metro Atlanta or West Georgia area, Wellstar makes it easy to find expert care. We have specialized cancer treatment centers close to home, including the newly-renovated Enoch Callaway Cancer Center at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and Specialty Teams and Treatment (STAT) Clinics at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital.

Here, patients get a customized care plan for their unique cancer diagnosis quickly, instead of waiting weeks or months for treatment.

At the STAT Clinics, each patient has a face-to-face meeting with their oncology team on one day, at one appointment. This multidisciplinary approach helps you get the right treatment for your unique diagnosis as soon as possible.

Access to cutting-edge care

Wellstar offers a wide range of advanced and minimally-invasive treatment options, such as:

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): During this procedure, a one-time, concentrated dosage of radiation is administered during surgery. That means patients like Nan Harman-Dempsey can finish their radiation in mere minutes, instead of weeks of follow-up appointments.
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR): Using targeted beams of radiation, radiation oncologists can virtually cut out tumors without ever making an incision. This treatment can be crucial for people like John Cashen, who have cancer in more complicated areas in the body like the lungs.
CyberKnife robotic surgery: This state-of-the-art treatment delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors, while also protecting healthy tissues in the body.
Integrated therapies: Alongside conventional treatment methods, physicians may suggest other therapies—including acupuncture, yoga and meditation—to promote relaxation and improve quality of life.

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care network, your trusted Wellstar doctors can combine their understanding of your unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that you get exactly the care you need, close to home.

Whether you have just been diagnosed with cancer or are looking for a second opinion, Wellstar’s expert oncology team can help you get back to life faster.

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