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.
JohnCare
Published on November 25, 2024
Last updated 01:25 PM November 25, 2024
A master of everything Mardi Gras, John runs a local krewe and is a natural at building parade floats from the foundation up.
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."
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Highlights
Helping Patients Screen for Colon Cancer Through ColoCare Connect
When caught early, colorectal cancer is much more treatable, yet many people face barriers that prevent them from getting screened. Through the ColoCare Connect Program, Wellstar is working to make preventive care more accessible for communities who need it most.
In 2024, Cobb & Douglas Public Health, with support from the Wellstar Foundation, provided funding to expand colon cancer screening across Cobb and Douglas counties with the launch of ColoCare Connect. The community-based program, led by Wellstar Center for Health Equity and the Community Health team, focuses on education, resources and supplying at-home screening tests with the help of trusted local clinics.
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.
Highlights
How Wellstar’s Cardio-Oncology Program Protects Heart Health During Cancer Care
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