SandyCare

Fighting breast cancer & forming lasting friendships

Published on October 26, 2021

Last updated 01:21 PM August 22, 2023

Sandy and Kellie sitting on a bench, and text "SandyCare".

The roots Sandy Kaecher has built in Paulding run deep.

When she moved to Dallas, Georgia over a decade ago, Sandy wanted to make a real difference in her adopted hometown. From countless hours of volunteering to serving on the county commission, she has been a pillar in the community from the beginning.

In 2014, she even attended Wellstar Paulding Medical Center’s groundbreaking ceremony, eager for the area to have easy access to world-class healthcare. However, she never expected to battle breast cancer at the same facility years later.

During her fight, Sandy partnered with an entire team of cancer experts, right here in her beloved community. She also found comfort and strength in a new bond with Wellstar Nurse Navigator Kellie Mitchell, who was by Sandy’s side through her toughest moments.

Every step of her cancer journey, Sandy got unending support from Wellstar—and even a true, lasting friendship, too.

Catching cancer early

In 2018, while Sandy was gearing up to run in the local election as the first female Paulding County Commissioner, she wasn’t aware that her body was already fighting a battle of its own.

Sandy noticed dimpling on one of her breasts, and knew something wasn’t right.

The distinctive dimpling that Sandy experienced is one warning sign women can watch for between their annual mammograms. During a breast self-exam, women can use their eyes and hands to inspect their breasts for new or concerning changes.

Abnormalities may include a new lump, swelling or thickening of the tissue, red or flaky skin, pulling in or pain in the nipple area and change in size or shape of the breasts.

Breast self-exams are an important way women can stay in tune with their bodies. However, at-home checks are not a substitute for getting a mammogram done by an imaging expert. These screenings are crucial to catch what the naked eye can’t see and detect health issues, such as breast cancer, in its early stages.

That’s why Sandy brought her concerns to her primary care physician right away.

It wasn’t long before she was connected with the cancer team at Wellstar Paulding. There, she received a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound to discover what was the underlying cause of the dimpling.

The advanced imaging technology flagged abnormal results. Her care team got an even better picture of what was going on inside her body after a biopsy.

The results were clear: Sandy was dealing with a complex case of breast cancer. Based on the high-tech images, the cancer had woven in and out of the breast tissue, making it more complicated to treat.

With her expert Wellstar cancer team ready to battle beside her, Sandy summoned her fiery spirit and prepared for the fight.

Make sure to see your doctor and get screened. And, if you are diagnosed with cancer, keep fighting and keep going.

- Sandy Kaecher

Wellstar Breast Cancer Survivor

Friends join the battle

A breast surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist all worked together to create a personalized treatment plan. For Sandy, this included a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy treatments and radiation therapy.

From the start, Sandy relied on the power of optimism to help her through the ups and downs.

“After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had to change my outlook very quickly. I shifted my perspective to stay positive,” Sandy said. “Even when I found out I would be losing both of my breasts, I chose to focus on what I would be gaining instead—like getting my health back.”

Still, balancing surgeries and treatments can be overwhelming. At Wellstar, cancer patients have access to a ready resource to help them through the journey: oncology nurse navigators.

Wellstar oncology nurse navigators (ONN) bring highly personalized care, knowledge and support to each cancer patient and their families. Whether it is understanding a difficult diagnosis, working through treatments or just lending a listening ear, ONNs are there every step of the journey.

Sandy found much-needed help and guidance from Wellstar Oncology Nurse Navigator Kellie Mitchell.

For Kellie, being an oncology nurse navigator is more than a job. It’s her calling.

“I am a patient’s touchstone during a whirlwind of medical care,” Kellie explained. “For patients facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis, I am there from the start. I meet them after they have an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound.”

“If their biopsy results are positive for cancer, I provide education on their diagnosis, emotional support, can help obtain financial assistance and coordinate care with other providers,” Kellie said. “I even see the patients at their doctor’s visits to help decrease their anxiety and voice any concerns.”

From diagnosis to treatment and all the way through recovery, Kellie was there for Sandy through it all. Partnering together, the pair formed a friendship to face cancer with confidence.

An unbreakable bond

Sandy and her Oncology Nurse Navigator, Kellie, built a strong camaraderie as they teamed up to battle breast cancer.

“Kellie never left my side,” Sandy said, recalling her nurse’s unyielding support.

Wellstar understands how critical nurse navigation can be to a patient’s cancer journey, and it made all the difference for Sandy.

“Wellstar Health System provides optimal care in our community,” Kellie said, sharing the importance of her role. “With nurse navigators also in place, it helps smooth transitions, decrease patient worry and improve patient satisfaction.”

Because ONNs specialize and only focus on cancer, Kellie provides the highest level of care possible and is always looking for opportunities to increase her knowledge.

“I go to many seminars and educational opportunities to stay up-to-date with the most current and best practices in oncological care,” Kellie said.

Her dedication to being up-to-date with the latest education and information about cancer care helps her efficiently and effectively guide patients like Sandy throughout the process.

Kellie accompanied Sandy to many of her appointments, including when she was receiving radiation treatment. All the nurses who cared for Sandy left an impression, and always went above and beyond to support her.

“All of my Wellstar nurses were full of joy and energy,” Sandy shared. “If you weren’t happy when you walked in the room, they would make you feel happy by the time you left.”

All the while, Sandy stayed strong and true to her positive nature. Even as she battled breast cancer, she never gave up her dream to help her community.

While being treated, Sandy wanted to remain a contender in the election for the Paulding County Board of Commissioners, and got the OK from her physicians to stay on the ballot.

After the votes came in, Sandy was declared the winner. And, with her Wellstar team by her side, she won her health battle against breast cancer too.

Currently in remission with no signs of the disease returning, Sandy is stepping up and raising awareness about breast cancer.

“Now as a survivor, Sandy has made it her mission to pay it forward,” Kellie said about her friend’s work. “I will always love and admire her for her personal strength.”

“I give back everywhere I can,” Sandy said. “I want to do what I can to help others in the community.”

Her positivity and faith have carried her through tough times throughout her diagnosis. Sandy encouraged others who may be facing a similar situation to always have hope no matter what.

“Make sure to see your doctor and get screened,” Sandy said, urging other women to protect their health. “And, if you are diagnosed with cancer, keep fighting and keep going.”

Moving forward, Sandy will never forget the care and friendship she found at Wellstar.

“Even though I went through one of the hardest situations, I had the best care team in the world alongside me.”

What is a gynecologic oncologist?

Gynecologic oncologists are specialists trained in the multidisciplinary management of patients with cancers of the female reproductive tract. Trained originally in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncologists treat patients with complex benign gynecologic issues, as well as gynecologic cancer patients who may need surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of different treatments.

When should you seek care?

Gynecologic cancers have different warning signs. When a person experiences concerning symptoms, a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, should be performed. Cervical and vaginal cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and pain. The most common warning sign for uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding or spotting is abnormal and should prompt an evaluation.

Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer symptoms include bloating, constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Vulvar cancer symptoms include itching, burning, discoloration, and new bumps or lumps on the skin outside of the vagina.

Who is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer?

Women who smoke cigarettes are at elevated risk for cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer development. People who are immunosuppressed and those who have tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at increased risk. Genetics can contribute to the development of uterine, ovarian or fallopian tube cancers and these types of cancers can run in families. Obesity and use of hormone replacement therapy can put women at risk for the development of uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. A history of infertility, endometriosis and pelvic radiation are also risk factors for developing gynecologic cancer.

What services are available at Wellstar?

At Wellstar, gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care for patients with gynecologic cancers, including administering chemotherapy and performing surgeries when needed. As high-volume pelvic surgeons, gynecologic oncologists also care for patients who need elective and emergent complex benign gynecologic surgery.

For many patients, robotic-assisted surgery offers a minimally invasive approach with less associated blood loss, shorter hospital stays and fewer post-operative complications. Gynecologic oncologists are some of the top users of the innovative DaVinci 5 robotic surgery platform. Performing complex gynecologic cancer surgeries, minimally invasive or otherwise, requires the type of highly specialized and multidisciplinary teams that work at Wellstar—and an infrastructure of resources to ensure patients have access to best-in-class care in their own backyard.

Learn more about gynecologic oncology at Wellstar at wellstar.org/gyncancer.

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An artistic representation of stroke experts inspecting a brain with a magnifying glass.

Highlights

Stroke prevention and the future of stroke care

This article was originally published on Atlanta Business Chronicle on May 19, 2023.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports the state had the 12th highest stroke death rate in the country. Georgia is also part of the “stroke belt,” an area of the southeastern United States with stroke death rates 30% higher than the rest of the nation.

As the leading — but preventable — cause of disability, stroke can happen at any age.

Stroke is a medical emergency, meaning the blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, brain cells start to die and abilities controlled by that area of the brain, such as speech or muscle control, are lost.

New drugs and new advanced treatments — such as the Tigertriever and Artemis — are helping reduce the death and disability impact of stroke, as well as comprehensive care programs and innovative hospital partnerships that expand stroke services into rural areas.

Physicians from Wellstar Health System and the CEO of a hospital in northeast Georgia joined Atlanta Business Chronicle to discuss stroke prevention and the future of stroke care.

Panelists & moderator

Dr. Rishi Gupta, Endovascular Neurologist and Co-Medical Director of Neuro Care
Dr. Ashis Tayal, Vascular Neurologist, Wellstar, Director of Neuro Care Network
Van Loskoski, CEO, Stephens County Hospital
David Rubinger, Market President & Publisher, Atlanta Business Chronicle; Moderator

Pictured: headshots of the panel of experts from Wellstar Health System and the CEO from a rural Georgia hospital discussing advances in stroke care.

What is stroke, screening and secondary prevention

David Rubinger: Dr. Tayal, set the stage for us about the definition of stroke.

Dr. Ashis Tayal: A stroke is a sudden injury of the brain due to blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain. Injuries to the brain and disability can vary significantly.

The most common, ischemic stroke injury, is due to obstruction of an artery that causes a loss of blood flow to a critical part of the brain which damages the brain rapidly.

The other type of stroke is hemorrhagic stroke, where there’s a rupture of an artery, bleeding into the brain, or the surfaces of the brain, and that is called an intracerebral hemorrhage or a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Rubinger: I think Americans have become a little better educated as to who’s at risk for stroke, but why don’t you walk us through that. Who would be a potential stroke candidate?

Tayal: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. High blood pressure is an extremely common but controllable condition. Almost 80% of people have hypertension as they’re getting older.

Other risk factors include diabetes associated with elevated blood sugars causing accelerated blockage of arteries and high cholesterol, which can be related to diet and genetics.

Atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia that occurs as people get older, also places people at risk for the most severe and disabling types of strokes. And plaque buildup in specific arteries of the neck and brain also leads to an increased risk of stroke.

Smoking is another risk factor. Many adults still smoke despite a lot of progress in stroke treatment, and smoking puts people at risk for different types of stroke.

Rubinger: What about atmospheric things like stress and other areas like that? How does that play into it? Or do those things manifest themselves because of the other underlying physical conditions?

Tayal: I don’t view stress, in and of itself, as a risk factor for stroke. I think that’s more related to people’s environments and their own personalities and how they respond to stress. I do think people who are under undue stress can have poor lifestyle habits, and those poor lifestyle habits, whether poor eating habits, smoking, weight gain or lack of exercise, can lead to conditions that increase the risk for stroke.

Rubinger: So how is the healthcare system doing treating strokes? Do you believe that what’s going on at the primary care provider’s office is helping or do we have a way to go?

Tayal: In the United States, preventive care has improved the treatment of risk factors that lead to stroke, but communities must maintain routine checkups as many of the risk factors are silent.

There are improved treatments for hypertension, more aggressive treatment for diabetes, and more efforts at smoking cessation. Just the fact that we treat hypertension better than we did a generation ago has had a great impact on lowering the prevalence of stroke.

That being said, some of the most exciting work on stroke has often been done in the area of acute treatment of stroke with clot-busting drugs, catheter-based treatments and medications to protect the brain during an acute injury.

Rubinger: Has pharmacology gotten better in terms of the hypertension medicines that are out there? Have anti-cholesterol medicines improved in recent years?

Tayal: In the past, healthcare providers were often undertreating people with hyperlipidemia — high cholesterol — and not fully appreciating the benefits of significant reductions in cholesterol levels. For example, we’ve learned that driving cholesterol down into much lower ranges under 55 mg/dL can benefit our patients who have vascular disease as a cause for their stroke.

In the fight against high cholesterol, newer medications that prevent the absorption of cholesterol are now available. Recent developments have led to the discovery of a new underutilized class of drugs called PCSK-9 inhibitors that are highly effective.

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