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SandyCare

Fighting breast cancer & forming lasting friendships

Published on October 26, 2021

Last updated 11:45 AM October 26, 2021

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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 Hospital’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 Hospital. 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 Commission, and got the okay 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.”

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