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Article Category: PeopleCare

PhyllisCare

From screening to surgery with the Wellstar STAT Clinic for Lung Cancer

Published on May 27, 2025

Last updated 01:33 PM May 27, 2025

A healthcare provider checks the lungs of her patient using a stethoscope. Reads "PhyllisCare".

For Phyllis Burgess, staying on top of her health made all the difference. When lung cancer showed up on a routine screening, she was ready—and so was her Wellstar care team.

Friendly photo of Phyllis Burgess


Proactive primary care

When Phyllis retired after nearly 50 years as a bookkeeper, she looked forward to a slower pace and more time for herself. A breast cancer survivor and former smoker, she also wanted to be proactive about her health.

Encouraged by her Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. David Gose, Phyllis committed to regular lung cancer screening at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center —staying one step ahead of a disease that usually goes unnoticed until it's too late. Wellstar’s lung cancer screening program is a national leader in early detection, offering low-dose CT scans that help detect early-stage lung cancer before clinical signs or symptoms become evident.

Her first three CT scans came back clear. But on her fourth screening, doctors spotted something suspicious.

Quick answers with the STAT Clinic

Phyllis was quickly referred to the Wellstar Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic for Lung Cancer at Wellstar Paulding. The program quickly moves patients through screening to diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts. Patients with lung and other chest cancers meet with multiple specialists in one place, often on the same day, to reduce delays and improve outcomes.

"Most of the time you don’t get two or three or four or five people on your case from the get-go,” said Phyllis. "But knowing that I had this group of qualified professionals looking at my tests, discussing what we need to do, how best to do it, when to do it—it’s very comforting."

At the Wellstar STAT Clinic, Phyllis’ care team included a thoracic surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologist and nurse navigators, who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and their family members.

"The support staff was just fabulous,” Phyllis said. "They’re like best friends. They’re there for you."

Behind the scenes, her care team was already working in sync to coordinate fast care.

“We plan patients’ appointments ahead of time, ordering multiple tests that will be necessary for the treatment decision-making. These can include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and/or a pulmonary function test,” said Dr. Daniel Fortes, Wellstar chief of thoracic surgery. "We’re always gaining time in the patient’s overall treatment because we are anticipating and creating a plan as a team."

Dr. Fortes emphasized that timing matters when treating lung cancer. "We have data to show that if we delay treatment, even in early-stage cancers, we do decrease the chance of a cure,” he said. “The goal of the STAT Clinic is to get them the quickest we can into their final treatment plan."

Expert diagnosis and advanced surgery

To diagnose her cancer, Phyllis underwent a robotic bronchoscopy at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. The advanced procedure allowed the pulmonary team to examine her lungs and collect tissue samples.

The biopsy confirmed lung cancer. Having already caught one cancer early, Phyllis was grateful she had remained vigilant—keeping up with annual screenings and following through on care every step of the way.

"I am sort of a walking advertisement for early detection," she said. "My mammogram showed up with stage zero breast cancer. And I think they described the lung cancer as 1.1—very early, no metastasis. I’ve been very fortunate. These processes that are there for people to take advantage of saved my life.”

Phyllis returned to the STAT Clinic, where the same team who had evaluated her case before came together again to review her results and finalize her treatment plan.

"Every single patient who comes through our clinic is discussed collaboratively by a group of lung cancer specialists so we can make a fast, informed decision as a team," Dr. Fortes explained. "Because Phyllis had good overall health and an early-stage diagnosis, she was an excellent candidate for surgery.”

Soon after, Phyllis had a lobectomy at Wellstar Kennestone. Dr. Fortes performed the robotic-assisted surgery using the  da Vinci Surgical System to remove the affected part of her lung.

"They told me what they would do, what kind of incisions they’d be making and what I could expect in the way of healing," Phyllis said. “So, I went in feeling like this is not some strange, scary process.”

Dr. Fortes noted that complex cancer surgeries are best performed at major centers like Wellstar Kennestone. "Complex cancer care demands a comprehensive structure of care around the patient that includes more than just physicians and technology," he explained. "At the same time, we are continuing to expand our STAT Clinics to bring them closer to people's homes and with the aim of improving access for patients.”

Ongoing care, close to home

Phyllis’ lung cancer surgery took place the day before a snowstorm was forecasted to hit the metro Atlanta area. However, thanks to Dr. Fortes’ minimally invasive techniques—which resulted in less pain, less scarring and less blood loss—she was able to be discharged from the hospital that evening and avoid being stuck at the hospital for several days due to poor road conditions.

Phyllis described her recovery as “easy” and now feels great. She continues her follow-up care for both lung and breast cancer at the Wellstar Women’s Imaging Services at Wellstar Paulding, close to home.

“Wellstar Paulding feels like home, even when I’m dealing with someone who I haven’t met before,” she shared. “Whether it’s the receptionist or the admissions nurse—they’re always very, very friendly and helpful. There’s a family feel to it."

Hope, health and staying vigilant

As she settles into retirement, Phyllis is sharing her story to encourage others to set aside any fear or guilt and talk to their healthcare provider about lung cancer screening.

"Cancers are so insidious. You’re not going to just go, 'Gee, I don’t feel good; it must be cancer,'" she said. "There’s no big warning signs until it’s serious. Early detection is absolutely our best weapon. It’s our best defense.”

Dr. Fortes echoed the importance of early detection. "We can only cure lung cancers if we pick them up in an early stage. That’s why lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the world,” he said. “The only way we can change that is by diagnosing early. And then they are truly curable.”

Phyllis is thankful for Wellstar’s STAT Clinics that are designed to move quickly when it matters most.

Her advice to others considering treatment at a STAT Clinic? "Please do it. It’s the difference between life and death,” she urged. “At the same time, it’s in an environment where you don’t feel like you’re a sample in a petri dish. These are people, and they’re warm, and they care."

Learn more about who is eligible for lung cancer screening, find a location near you or schedule your lung cancer screening at Wellstar.

Learn more about STAT Clinics at Wellstar.

Cancers are so insidious. You’re not going to just go, 'Gee, I don’t feel good; it must be cancer.' There’s no big warning signs until it’s serious. Early detection is absolutely our best weapon. It’s our best defense.

- Phyllis Burgess

Lung Cancer Survivor

Tags

David Austin Gose Paulding Medical Center Daniel Leite Cardoso Fortes
PeopleCare Cancer Care
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Wellstar Paulding Medical Center Tower Expansion Groundbreaking 2025

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Wellstar Paulding Medical Center Breaks Ground on $300 Million Expansion

HIRAM, Ga. — With shovels in hand and plans in motion, leaders of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center officially broke ground Thursday, September 4, on a $300 million expansion project that will double the hospital’s inpatient capacity and bring new resources to one of Georgia’s fastest-growing regions.

The hospital, which currently operates 112 beds and a busy emergency department with 40 adult and pediatric bays, is nearing full capacity. As Paulding County continues to grow, so does the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Wellstar’s expansion aims to meet that demand head-on.

“This is a big moment for Paulding County,” said Wellstar Paulding President Todd Kennedy. “We’re responding to the needs of a growing community and laying the foundation for a healthier future.”

The new hospital tower will be constructed in two phases, with the first phase—opening in November 2027—adding 56 beds, expanding heart and vascular services, and increasing imaging testing capacity. An additional 56 beds will be added by 2029 as part of the second phase.

“We’re building more than just a new tower,” said Robert S. Owens, chair of the Wellstar Paulding Tower Campaign Cabinet and vice chair of the Wellstar Paulding Regional Health Board. “We’re building the future of healthcare in Paulding County.” 

A $20 million parking deck, featuring more than 460 new spaces, is also set to open this November, improving access for patients and visitors.

In recent years, Wellstar has expanded its footprint across Paulding County, adding 69 exam rooms at seven practices across the county to help ease pressure on the hospital and provide more convenient care. Locations in Hiram and Dallas now offer services ranging from primary care and pediatrics to behavioral health and specialty care. Another 46 exam rooms are planned over the next three years.

Wellstar Paulding’s Emergency Department remains one of the busiest in the region, rarely diverting patients despite high volumes. To help manage demand during construction, the hospital has added EMS drop-off spaces, opened a new waiting area for people with less urgent medical needs and created a discharge lounge to free up beds more quickly.

“The newest expansion at Wellstar Paulding is part of our system strategy to expand care across our markets,” said Mary Chatman, executive vice president of acute care operations at Wellstar Health System. “Not only will this provide additional capacity for our Paulding campus, but it will also support our efforts to manage capacity across our footprint.”

Wellstar Paulding has received numerous awards for quality and safety, including the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, Magnet Nursing Facility designation, Leapfrog “A” rating and a CMS 4-star rating for quality.

With approximately 1,900 employees, Wellstar Paulding is also one of the county’s largest employers, playing a key role in both healthcare and the local economy.

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Runners take their mark on the track. Text reads XanderCare.

PeopleCare

XanderCare

Xander Garanzuay, a long-distance runner, never imagined his high school track meet would end with him being airlifted to the hospital. But when a discus struck him in the head, he suffered a depressed skull fracture and needed emergency surgery.

Thanks to the quick action and collaboration of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's trauma and neurosurgery teams, Xander is now back to running. His story highlights the resilience of the human body, the strength of family and the impact of expert care.

A sudden accident

After finishing the 2-mile race at a track meet in Cartersville, Xander stayed to support his Woodstock High School teammates. When he was ready to go home, he texted his parents.

A few moments later, everything changed. While tossing a ball with his friend, Xander ran to retrieve it—just as a discus struck him in the head.

The discus hit Xander on the left side of his head with such force that he fell unconscious. Xander began seizing—his condition was critical. While his friend raced to notify their coaches, Kelly, Xander’s mom, had arrived to pick him up.

“I’m sitting out front texting Xander, ‘I’m here,’ when emergency vehicles start pulling up,” Kelly said. “Then my husband called—‘Xander’s been hit.’”

Kelly stayed with Xander as EMS evaluated him. “He was awake but not coherent,” she noted. They determined he would need to be airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone, a Level I Trauma Center.

Life-saving surgery

Xander was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone, where the trauma team was ready to act. Upon arrival, Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry assessed the severity of Xander’s injury: a depressed skull fracture causing seizures.

“The discus is a large weight—picture a five-pound Frisbee—that is flung through the air,” said Dr. Parry. “Thankfully, Xander’s skull protected his brain, but he essentially sustained a ballistic injury to the skull.”

The impact to the left side of Xander’s skull left him with a fixed-focus neurologic deficit. His right arm—his dominant arm—had no muscle strength, and his right leg was weak.

Dr. Parry performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the bone pressing on Xander’s brain. The surgery was successful, but the road ahead was uncertain.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t the surgery itself—this is something we do every day,” he said. “It was telling a 16-year-old and his mother that we didn’t know whether he would regain function in his dominant arm.”

Kelly had to trust in the care Xander was receiving. “You don’t know what you’re going to do in that situation. Nothing prepares you,” she said. “I had to have faith that he was in the right hands—and he truly was.”

Steady progress

The day after Xander’s surgery, Wellstar Kennestone’s physical and occupational therapy teams began working at his bedside to restore movement in his non-functioning arm and leg.

“You want to do everything you can to optimize the body’s ability to heal,” said Dr. Parry. “It was important that we provided that environment for him.”

Xander’s positive attitude and determination played a crucial role in regaining function. His dad, Xavier, was amazed by his son’s resilience.

“He was so proactive and driven to get better,” Xavier said. “It was inspiring to watch.”

Still, sometimes the reality of what happened sank in. “He woke up one night and said, ‘I could have died,’” his mom remembered. “I told him, ‘Yes, but you didn’t.’ He said, ‘God must have something really special planned for me.’”

Xander applied the same fortitude from running to each step of his healing. “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your biggest supporter,” he said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else believe in you?”

Care that made a difference

Xander spent six days at Wellstar Kennestone before being transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. The support from Wellstar’s care team made a lasting impact.

They were there for whatever we needed—compassionate and always listening to Xander’s needs,” Kelly said.

One night during his stay, Xander woke needing help to get to the restroom. When a nurse arrived, he suddenly began seizing. “I’ve never seen eight nurses in a room so quickly,” his mom recalled. “Everyone knew exactly what to do.”

One poignant moment came when Xander’s family had the discus—now a symbol of victory over his injury—signed by his care team.

“It’s rewarding as a physician to know that I played a small part in restoring his ability to use his arm again,” Dr. Parry reflected. “As a parent, I know the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of neurologic recovery. To see Xander move his arms and legs again, as if nothing happened, is a relief that’s indescribable.”

The power of community

Xander’s recovery was supported not only by his family and Wellstar care team, but also by his school and community. After the accident, his track team dedicated the next meet to him, with “Run for Xander” wristbands and signs. A teammate also started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $13,000 to help with the family’s medical expenses.

“People from all over came together for Xander,” Xavier said. “Posts on his team’s Facebook page were shared with running clubs from Canada to Miami. We were blown away.”

Xander was especially touched by the support. “This whole experience showed me how much my family loves me,” he said. “Seeing my friends, teachers and even family from Texas come to help—it meant so much.”

A bright future

After two and a half weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Xander transitioned to outpatient rehab and continued regular follow-ups with Dr. Parry at the Wellstar Neurosurgery clinic. “At each phase, he received the best possible care,” explained Dr. Parry. “That’s why he had such a great outcome.”

Today, Xander is almost fully recovered and back doing what he loves most—running. “Physically and mentally, he’s doing phenomenal,” Kelly said. “He has his own training program. I am so proud of him.”

Xander’s progress wouldn’t have been possible without the trauma care network that supported him every step of the way. “The benefit of the trauma network can’t be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “It ensures people get the best possible outcome even on their worst day.”

With expert care and determination, Xander is ready for whatever comes next.

Learn more about Trauma Services and Neuro Care at Wellstar.

XanderCare collage
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Personalized Breast Care Close to Home at Wellstar North Fulton

By Wellstar Breast Surgeon Dr. Laura Pearson

I have never met a woman who enjoyed getting mammograms, including myself. They can be uncomfortable, awkward and anxiety-provoking—especially if you have had scares in the past or are at high risk for getting breast cancer.

There are so many additional resources for risk reduction and surveillance available that go hand-in-hand with mammograms. At Wellstar, reducing your risk and screening for cancer starts with a physical from your primary care doctor.

If you are at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening. If something is detected on a mammogram, the Wellstar Comprehensive Breast Health Program has nurse navigators who will help arrange diagnostic imaging, biopsy procedures and referrals to breast specialists. If you are diagnosed with cancer, the compassionate and oncology-trained nurse navigators with Wellstar Cancer Care walk patients through diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and beyond.

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, your treatment and care will transition from our Comprehensive Breast Health Program to the Wellstar Cancer Care team. In Wellstar STAT Clinics, which stands for Specialty Teams and Treatment, we put you at the center of your care plan. In our STAT Clinic for Breast Cancer, the care team, including breast oncology nurse navigators, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nutritionists and genetic counselors, will meet with you and your support system on the same day to formulate a treatment plan personalized to your specific cancer, as well as your personal and cultural needs. Patients are able to ask questions, make decisions and start treatment sooner, improving outcomes.

Many times, surgical intervention can be done as an outpatient procedure. We can also offer some people intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT—the option of doing their radiation treatment in the operating room at the same time as their lumpectomy, meaning they are able to avoid four to six weeks of radiation treatments. Any other interventions, such as chemotherapy or radiation, including our CyberKnife for treatments like targeted partial breast radiation therapy, are found in the cancer center on Wellstar North Fulton’s medical campus. We have physical therapists, social workers and palliative care specialists who are there for you if the need arises.

Your Wellstar care team can also help you reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Being overweight or obese or being a smoker can increase your risk. Patients at Wellstar have access to our Center for Best Health to assist in weight management. We also have smoking cessation programs and dietitians waiting to help you make healthier choices that can positively impact your health.

Wellstar provides more than healthcare, PeopleCare—working relentlessly to exceed national standards and our patients’ expectations while remembering the humanity of every patient. We are here for all the situations and stages of our patients’ lives by offering the tools and resources to be healthy and thrive. Wellstar clinicians live in the communities we serve. We must get physicals, mammograms and biopsies. We need help being our healthiest selves. We get sick and have family members who need compassionate care. PeopleCare means offering our patients world-class healthcare in the communities where they live and work.

Your care team can put your mammogram order in Wellstar MyChart to book online, or you can schedule by calling (678) 581-5900.

Visit wellstar.org/northfultoncancercare to learn more about cancer care at Wellstar North Fulton.

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