As the matriarch of her family, Phyliss Davis has always taken care of everyone before herself. Between a busy schedule and devoting time to her granddaughter Wynter, Phyliss made a habit of putting her own health on the back-burner.
Hoping to check another job off her to-do list, she finally squeezed a routine wellness appointment onto her calendar. But when Phyliss’ medical chart showed no recent mammogram, her primary care physician grew concerned.
"When my doctor asked how long it had been since my last mammogram, I didn’t want to admit that I hadn’t had one in years," Phyliss said, remembering how the medical professional urged her to get a breast exam as soon as possible. "Because I didn’t have a family history of breast cancer, I thought I didn’t have to worry."
Luckily, Phyliss came in at just the right time. Her mammogram caught a concerning lump that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. Following a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Throughout her cancer journey, the grandmother would learn the importance of taking care of her own health and body. And soon, she would truly understand the words her mother told her as a child: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
PhylissCare
Published on October 14, 2020
Last updated 11:02 AM August 28, 2023
From the very beginning, Phyliss had a fighting spirit. She was determined to beat breast cancer and be there for her family for years to come.
For each patient, I present the information in an easy-to-understand way. I make sure to discuss treatment options without overwhelming them. I always allow ample time for people to ask questions to allay their anxiety.
- Dr. Sheree Brown
Wellstar Radiation Oncology
Listen to Phyliss' story
Wellstar offered support to Phyliss every step of her breast cancer journey.
Passing the baton
From the very beginning, Phyliss had a fighting spirit. She was determined to beat breast cancer and be there for her family for years to come. There was also no question about who would be on her healthcare team.
"As soon as I was diagnosed, I knew to go to Wellstar. There was a team of people supporting me there, and it was so close to home," Phyliss shared. "Wellstar made me feel like I wasn’t on this journey alone."
Wellstar quickly formed Phyliss’ care team of health experts and advocates, referring her to breast cancer specialists within the robust cancer network.
The health system’s digital patient portal, MyChart, also helped her appointments run smoothly so Phyliss could focus on her care without any added stress. In her MyChart account, all of her medical records were already together in one digital space.
"It was like passing the baton," Phyliss explained the seamless specialty care process. "With MyChart, all my health information was organized and easily accessible. I didn’t have to worry about gathering information or having a copy of my medical chart with me. It was all ready to go as soon as I came to the next appointment."
Between her devoted care team and expert treatment, Phyliss felt as though she was part of a close-knit healthcare family.
"The doctors took the time to answer my questions and told me to call if I thought of anything else when I got home. They said, ‘I don’t want you to be worried about something if I could answer your questions and ease your fears.'"
Wellstar Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sheree Brown became a key player in Phyliss’ cancer treatment. The specialist shared how Wellstar cares for each and every patient throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
"For each patient, I present the information in an easy-to-understand way. I make sure to discuss treatment options without overwhelming them," Dr. Brown said of her approach to care. "I always allow ample time for people to ask questions to allay their anxiety."
Wellstar’s compassionate care made all the difference. Phyliss left her cancer treatment consultation with peace of mind and a concrete treatment plan in place.
Beating breast cancer
Phyliss’ cancer was caught at an early stage. But even so, her care team didn’t waste any time and sprang into action so Phyliss would have the best possible outcome. The medical experts quickly created a customized cancer treatment plan, which included surgery to remove the tumor and radiation to prevent the disease from returning.
Following Phyliss’ successful lumpectomy, she received daily rounds of radiation at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Dr. Brown led the treatment, using her knowledge and expertise to treat Phyliss’ cancer effectively.
"In Phyliss’ case, external beam radiation was delivered using the prone technique. That meant she received treatment lying face down instead of sitting up," Dr. Brown explained. "This particular process allows the breasts to hang away from the body, minimizing radiation exposure to the lungs."
Using this specialized method, Dr. Brown could target the cancer without endangering healthy tissues. For cancer patients, access to innovative treatments and technology is critical to improving their outcomes.
"Wellstar has state-of-the-art equipment available, which allows us to offer many cutting-edge cancer treatments," Dr. Brown said. "We also have multidisciplinary tumor boards to help provide comprehensive treatment plans for our patients."
The radiation sessions were a success. Now after finishing treatment and becoming a breast cancer survivor, Phyliss can focus on being there for her entire family.
Phyliss encourages women who may be putting off preventative health screenings to take the ultimate step towards practicing self-care.
"Women are the heart of the family. We make sure our loved ones are taken care of, but we need to see ourselves as important too," she said. "Don’t neglect your health. Take the time to go for your yearly physical and mammogram. It’s the cornerstone of your health."
Have you had a mammogram?
Screening for breast cancer at regular intervals can help catch breast cancer earlier — before symptoms appear — for better outcomes. Learn more about mammograms and find a location near you. Or call (678) 581-5900 to schedule your mammogram now.
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Highlights
Walk Through a 7-Foot Colon Model and Learn About Screenings at Wellstar Events
Early detection is the best prevention, especially when it comes to colon cancer. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a 91% survival rate.
For someone at average risk, screenings should begin at age 45. Those with a higher risk or a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening sooner. Talk to your care team to create a personalized screening plan.
To raise awareness of the importance of colon cancer screenings, Wellstar’s surgery, gastroenterology, cancer care and community health teams will host informational events throughout March. Visitors can walk through a large inflatable colon model, learn about the importance of screening and early detection, and at some events, nurses will be available to help patients schedule a colonoscopy.
- March 6, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center B Entrance
- March 6, 11 AM - 1 PM, Wellstar Kennestone Cancer Center
- March 11, 10 AM - 2 PM, Wellstar Sylvan Grove Medical Center
- March 12, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
- March 16, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center Main Lobby
- March 17, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Paulding Medical Center Main Lobby (upstairs)
- March 18, 10 AM - 2 PM, Wellstar Windy Hill Main Lobby
- March 20, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center Main Lobby
- March 23, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar East Cobb Health Park
- March 24, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Avalon Health Park Lower Level Lobby
- March 25, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Vinings Health Park
- March 26, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Acworth Health Park
- March 27, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Cherokee Health Park
- March 31, 8 AM - 4 PM, Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
Call our colorectal cancer screening hotline at (470) 793-4032.
Highlights
Make Colon Health Your Habit
For many people, talking about colon health can be a little uncomfortable. However, medical issues don’t just go away if you ignore them.
Being proactive about your well-being with preventative care can help catch colorectal cancer or another serious condition early, often before it becomes a bigger problem.
Wellstar is committed to keeping your colon healthy with preventative screenings and expert care, so you can continue to live well.
Catch colon cancer early
Early detection is the best prevention, especially when it comes to colon cancer. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of 91%.
“Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, so it’s very important that everyone gets screened,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Cameron Body. “For an average risk person, screenings should begin at age 45.”
Those with a higher risk or a family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening sooner. Partner with your provider to create a personalized screening plan—and stick with it to stay ahead of the disease.
“Recently, colon cancer has been a major trending topic in public discourse, and it has been impacting younger individuals each year. It is important to start colon cancer screening at the age of 45 or sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Shani Clay. “This is a preventable disease, so please speak with your primary care clinician or gastroenterologist to help get you screened. Colonoscopies can help prevent colon cancer, diagnose and help direct early treatment if you are diagnosed.”
The death rate for colon cancer in older adults has been decreasing for the past several decades due to screenings, according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings can identify polyps before they become cancerous and can catch cancer earlier when it is more easily treatable. However, in people under 55, death rates from colon cancer have been increasing by about 1% per year since the mid-2000s.
Why colonoscopies work
During a colonoscopy, a Wellstar gastroenterologist will view the inside of your colon and look for polyps or any other abnormal tissue that could be cancerous. This preventative testing is key to catching colorectal issues at the start.
“A colonoscopy is the gold standard when screening for colon cancer. The procedure itself is not painful, and we make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process,” Dr. Body said. “The goal is to do a high-quality exam with a good prep to find polyps when they’re small and get them removed to minimize the risk of them subsequently developing into cancer.”
Polyps take about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer, according to Dr. Carmen Klass, oncologist and hematologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, a care partner of Wellstar.
“If you have a colonoscopy every five to 10 years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer,” Dr. Klass said. “In fact, if all Americans did their screening colonoscopies every five to 10 years, the death rate for colorectal cancer would drop by 50%.”
See how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Signs of colorectal cancer
- Colon cancer is typically discovered when a patient has a colonoscopy, but it’s important to watch for these warning signs:
- A change in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas and pain
- Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your care team right away.
Colorectal cancer care at Wellstar
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, count on Wellstar for comprehensive, personalized care. Our specialists will work together with you to form a tailored treatment plan and offer support every step of the way.
“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, we walk with them and guide them on this difficult journey,” Dr. Klass said, sharing how Wellstar provides compassionate care.
Wellstar offers medical expertise close to home, clinical trials and state-of-the-art surgical procedures to treat colorectal cancer. We also have a multidisciplinary gastrointestinal (GI) tumor board that diagnoses and creates treatment plans collaboratively.
Along with cancer surgeons, medical oncologists and other experts, our care team also includes nurse navigators, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors to provide complete care and support.
Learn how Wellstar cares for colorectal cancer.
Get answers with genetic testing
Whether you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or are concerned about the chance of developing it, genetic testing can help you understand your risk of getting the disease.
If your parent, sibling or child has had colorectal cancer, you are two to three times more likely to develop the condition compared with someone with no family history. Our genetic counselors can help determine how genetic testing could benefit you and your family.
“Wellstar offers support from genetic counselors to help keep other family members safe in the future,” Dr. Klass said.
PeopleCare
PatCare
Pat Gelisse has been dancing for 30 years. She even taught the Carolina shag for a while. It’s a partner dance, sometimes compared to Swing dancing to beach music.
But severe heart failure downgraded Pat’s dancing queen status for close to 10 years.
“I went from feeling happy to feeling like a nothing,” she remembered of that time in her life.
With a team of Wellstar heart specialists working together for her, Pat found hope and new life on the dance floor.
Heart failure masquerades as acid reflux
It started more than a decade ago when Pat lived in central Georgia. She scheduled a doctor’s appointment for what she thought was acid reflux. She popped in on a quick break from her marketing job, assuming it wouldn’t take long.
Blood work and an EKG got Pat a ticket straight to the hospital and a quadruple bypass.
“My heart got worse; it wasn’t pumping blood,” Pat said.
She was in acute heart failure, a life-threatening condition where the heart doesn’t pump well enough to deliver the necessary amount of oxygen to her body. Pat’s ejection fraction (EF)—the percentage measurement of the blood that leaves the heart each time it pumps—was only 10%. The normal range is 50 to 70%.
It was a scary time, and with a family history of heart problems, Pat was worried. She’d lost both parents to heart failure, as well as other family members.
“I just knew for sure I was going to be next,” said Pat.
Doctors from various academic institutions discussed serious treatments ranging from LVAD to transplant, but because the pumping performance of her heart improved, she was no longer a candidate for those procedures. Instead, Pat spent close to nine years managing her heart failure with a pacemaker and various medications—treatments that failed to get her back on the dance floor.