Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand
https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1235513607&view=plain

William Forehand, MD

Affiliate

Specialties

Hematology/Oncology
Medical Oncology
Hematology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

William Forehand, MD

Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2021.

Affiliate

Specialties

Hematology/Oncology
Medical Oncology
Hematology

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2021
  • A friendly image of Trey William Forehand, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

Specialties

  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Hematology

Education & Training

  • Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Medical College of Georgia

Fellowship

  • Medical College of Georgia

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Douglas Hospital
  • Wellstar Paulding Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.7

Based on 233 patient ratings

Listened to me carefully
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Earned my trust
Explained things clearly
Shared the right amount of information

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

Great

May 5, 2025

5

Very efficient

May 3, 2025

5

This was my first visit, it was impressive.

May 2, 2025

5

I always receive excellent care from Dr Forehand, nurses and all staff and highly recommend them to everyone.

May 2, 2025

5

I have been a patient at this office since 2014. It's because of them that I'm able to say that!

April 24, 2025

5

Dr forehand is great Talks to you and explains well Very good experience

April 14, 2025

5

As my first visit I was very impressed with Dr. Forehand and look forward to my next visit.

April 10, 2025

4

Had to wait nearly an hour each time to see the doctor

April 6, 2025

4

On my blood draw, the tech had issues with getting the needle in my arm. Another tech had to draw blood in my other arm and that was fine.

March 23, 2025

4

I checked in at 9:44am. That's when I paid my co-pay. Shortly after that I was taken back to have bloodwork done then because they were so over booked out patients I didn't leave there until approximately 10:55am. That's a long time to wait. It was ridiculous.

March 23, 2025

4

It was a long day. The next day was much shorter.

March 21, 2025

5

I have definitely already recommend this hospital and some of the doctors to very close friends.

March 12, 2025

5

Provider was very kind and took time to answer all questions.

March 2, 2025

5

Offices, Doctor and staff are great. Wellstar Paulding needs to do something about the lack of parking.

February 14, 2025

2

I asked the Hemotologist if my son should go back on Eliquis instead of just aspirin. He said he wasn't able the make that decision. He said that the neurologist would have to make that call. I don't understand why a Hemotologist can't do something about someone having blood that's too thick.

February 9, 2025

5

I appreciate the attention and detailed explanation about my health issues from Dr Forehand. I find him and his entire staff to be incredibly professional and caring. I am sure everyone is sincerely concerned with finding answers to my questions regarding my health needs.

January 18, 2025

5

Everything was perfect.

January 8, 2025

5

This has been many months of treatments for cancer & Dr Forehand plus all nursing staff have gone above & beyond helping me with this desiese & highly recommend this practice

December 29, 2024

4

I was there roughly an hour and a half before I saw the provider and he maybe spent 7 minutes with me to tell me I didn't really need to see him. If I get personally charged for this visit, it will be highway robbery.

December 22, 2024

5

Everyone that works there is amazing they are all caring

December 13, 2024

5

Dr. Forehand showed genuine interest in my situation. He is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and communicates clearly. I am grateful for having him as my oncologist.

November 28, 2024

5

Visit was helpful and the staff was great.

November 26, 2024

5

Great practice

November 25, 2024

3

I was asked to be there at 10:45. I arrived at 10:30. The staff did my vital quickly . I went back to the waiting room for a bit and then was called back. The nurse apologized for the wait. I then sat in that room from about 11:10 until 12:35 when the Dr came in. The nurse stopped in about 12 and asked if I was okay. Waiting almost 2 hrs from your scheduled appt time is quite along time, especially when it's your first meeting with an oncologist.

November 19, 2024

5

Great staff and doctor. No issues at all.

November 15, 2024

5

No complaints

October 30, 2024

5

An organization that I respect and trust.

October 24, 2024

5

Listened to me and seemed interested in helping me get through this.

October 16, 2024

4

Scheduling or changing an appt is difficult. Next appt was made electronically for me with an unknown Dr & on a date/ time I had a conflict. I was unable to change in person. Appt schedule didn't come up on MyChart - had to leave phone message & play telephone tag.

October 13, 2024

5

Excellent!

October 12, 2024

5

Great

May 5, 2025

5

Very efficient

May 3, 2025

5

This was my first visit, it was impressive.

May 2, 2025

5

I always receive excellent care from Dr Forehand, nurses and all staff and highly recommend them to everyone.

May 2, 2025

5

I have been a patient at this office since 2014. It's because of them that I'm able to say that!

April 24, 2025

5

Dr forehand is great Talks to you and explains well Very good experience

April 14, 2025

5

As my first visit I was very impressed with Dr. Forehand and look forward to my next visit.

April 10, 2025

5

I have definitely already recommend this hospital and some of the doctors to very close friends.

March 12, 2025

5

Provider was very kind and took time to answer all questions.

March 2, 2025

5

Offices, Doctor and staff are great. Wellstar Paulding needs to do something about the lack of parking.

February 14, 2025

5

I appreciate the attention and detailed explanation about my health issues from Dr Forehand. I find him and his entire staff to be incredibly professional and caring. I am sure everyone is sincerely concerned with finding answers to my questions regarding my health needs.

January 18, 2025

5

Everything was perfect.

January 8, 2025

5

This has been many months of treatments for cancer & Dr Forehand plus all nursing staff have gone above & beyond helping me with this desiese & highly recommend this practice

December 29, 2024

5

Everyone that works there is amazing they are all caring

December 13, 2024

5

Dr. Forehand showed genuine interest in my situation. He is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and communicates clearly. I am grateful for having him as my oncologist.

November 28, 2024

5

Visit was helpful and the staff was great.

November 26, 2024

5

Great practice

November 25, 2024

5

Great staff and doctor. No issues at all.

November 15, 2024

5

No complaints

October 30, 2024

5

An organization that I respect and trust.

October 24, 2024

5

Listened to me and seemed interested in helping me get through this.

October 16, 2024

5

Excellent!

October 12, 2024

4

Had to wait nearly an hour each time to see the doctor

April 6, 2025

4

On my blood draw, the tech had issues with getting the needle in my arm. Another tech had to draw blood in my other arm and that was fine.

March 23, 2025

4

I checked in at 9:44am. That's when I paid my co-pay. Shortly after that I was taken back to have bloodwork done then because they were so over booked out patients I didn't leave there until approximately 10:55am. That's a long time to wait. It was ridiculous.

March 23, 2025

4

It was a long day. The next day was much shorter.

March 21, 2025

4

I was there roughly an hour and a half before I saw the provider and he maybe spent 7 minutes with me to tell me I didn't really need to see him. If I get personally charged for this visit, it will be highway robbery.

December 22, 2024

4

Scheduling or changing an appt is difficult. Next appt was made electronically for me with an unknown Dr & on a date/ time I had a conflict. I was unable to change in person. Appt schedule didn't come up on MyChart - had to leave phone message & play telephone tag.

October 13, 2024

3

I was asked to be there at 10:45. I arrived at 10:30. The staff did my vital quickly . I went back to the waiting room for a bit and then was called back. The nurse apologized for the wait. I then sat in that room from about 11:10 until 12:35 when the Dr came in. The nurse stopped in about 12 and asked if I was okay. Waiting almost 2 hrs from your scheduled appt time is quite along time, especially when it's your first meeting with an oncologist.

November 19, 2024

2

I asked the Hemotologist if my son should go back on Eliquis instead of just aspirin. He said he wasn't able the make that decision. He said that the neurologist would have to make that call. I don't understand why a Hemotologist can't do something about someone having blood that's too thick.

February 9, 2025

2

I asked the Hemotologist if my son should go back on Eliquis instead of just aspirin. He said he wasn't able the make that decision. He said that the neurologist would have to make that call. I don't understand why a Hemotologist can't do something about someone having blood that's too thick.

February 9, 2025

3

I was asked to be there at 10:45. I arrived at 10:30. The staff did my vital quickly . I went back to the waiting room for a bit and then was called back. The nurse apologized for the wait. I then sat in that room from about 11:10 until 12:35 when the Dr came in. The nurse stopped in about 12 and asked if I was okay. Waiting almost 2 hrs from your scheduled appt time is quite along time, especially when it's your first meeting with an oncologist.

November 19, 2024

4

Had to wait nearly an hour each time to see the doctor

April 6, 2025

4

On my blood draw, the tech had issues with getting the needle in my arm. Another tech had to draw blood in my other arm and that was fine.

March 23, 2025

4

I checked in at 9:44am. That's when I paid my co-pay. Shortly after that I was taken back to have bloodwork done then because they were so over booked out patients I didn't leave there until approximately 10:55am. That's a long time to wait. It was ridiculous.

March 23, 2025

4

It was a long day. The next day was much shorter.

March 21, 2025

4

I was there roughly an hour and a half before I saw the provider and he maybe spent 7 minutes with me to tell me I didn't really need to see him. If I get personally charged for this visit, it will be highway robbery.

December 22, 2024

4

Scheduling or changing an appt is difficult. Next appt was made electronically for me with an unknown Dr & on a date/ time I had a conflict. I was unable to change in person. Appt schedule didn't come up on MyChart - had to leave phone message & play telephone tag.

October 13, 2024

5

Great

May 5, 2025

5

Very efficient

May 3, 2025

5

This was my first visit, it was impressive.

May 2, 2025

5

I always receive excellent care from Dr Forehand, nurses and all staff and highly recommend them to everyone.

May 2, 2025

5

I have been a patient at this office since 2014. It's because of them that I'm able to say that!

April 24, 2025

5

Dr forehand is great Talks to you and explains well Very good experience

April 14, 2025

5

As my first visit I was very impressed with Dr. Forehand and look forward to my next visit.

April 10, 2025

5

I have definitely already recommend this hospital and some of the doctors to very close friends.

March 12, 2025

5

Provider was very kind and took time to answer all questions.

March 2, 2025

5

Offices, Doctor and staff are great. Wellstar Paulding needs to do something about the lack of parking.

February 14, 2025

5

I appreciate the attention and detailed explanation about my health issues from Dr Forehand. I find him and his entire staff to be incredibly professional and caring. I am sure everyone is sincerely concerned with finding answers to my questions regarding my health needs.

January 18, 2025

5

Everything was perfect.

January 8, 2025

5

This has been many months of treatments for cancer & Dr Forehand plus all nursing staff have gone above & beyond helping me with this desiese & highly recommend this practice

December 29, 2024

5

Everyone that works there is amazing they are all caring

December 13, 2024

5

Dr. Forehand showed genuine interest in my situation. He is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and communicates clearly. I am grateful for having him as my oncologist.

November 28, 2024

5

Visit was helpful and the staff was great.

November 26, 2024

5

Great practice

November 25, 2024

5

Great staff and doctor. No issues at all.

November 15, 2024

5

No complaints

October 30, 2024

5

An organization that I respect and trust.

October 24, 2024

5

Listened to me and seemed interested in helping me get through this.

October 16, 2024

5

Excellent!

October 12, 2024

5

Great

May 5, 2025

5

Very efficient

May 3, 2025

5

This was my first visit, it was impressive.

May 2, 2025

5

I always receive excellent care from Dr Forehand, nurses and all staff and highly recommend them to everyone.

May 2, 2025

5

I have been a patient at this office since 2014. It's because of them that I'm able to say that!

April 24, 2025

5

Dr forehand is great Talks to you and explains well Very good experience

April 14, 2025

5

As my first visit I was very impressed with Dr. Forehand and look forward to my next visit.

April 10, 2025

4

Had to wait nearly an hour each time to see the doctor

April 6, 2025

4

I checked in at 9:44am. That's when I paid my co-pay. Shortly after that I was taken back to have bloodwork done then because they were so over booked out patients I didn't leave there until approximately 10:55am. That's a long time to wait. It was ridiculous.

March 23, 2025

4

On my blood draw, the tech had issues with getting the needle in my arm. Another tech had to draw blood in my other arm and that was fine.

March 23, 2025

4

It was a long day. The next day was much shorter.

March 21, 2025

5

I have definitely already recommend this hospital and some of the doctors to very close friends.

March 12, 2025

5

Provider was very kind and took time to answer all questions.

March 2, 2025

5

Offices, Doctor and staff are great. Wellstar Paulding needs to do something about the lack of parking.

February 14, 2025

2

I asked the Hemotologist if my son should go back on Eliquis instead of just aspirin. He said he wasn't able the make that decision. He said that the neurologist would have to make that call. I don't understand why a Hemotologist can't do something about someone having blood that's too thick.

February 9, 2025

5

I appreciate the attention and detailed explanation about my health issues from Dr Forehand. I find him and his entire staff to be incredibly professional and caring. I am sure everyone is sincerely concerned with finding answers to my questions regarding my health needs.

January 18, 2025

5

Everything was perfect.

January 8, 2025

5

This has been many months of treatments for cancer & Dr Forehand plus all nursing staff have gone above & beyond helping me with this desiese & highly recommend this practice

December 29, 2024

4

I was there roughly an hour and a half before I saw the provider and he maybe spent 7 minutes with me to tell me I didn't really need to see him. If I get personally charged for this visit, it will be highway robbery.

December 22, 2024

5

Everyone that works there is amazing they are all caring

December 13, 2024

5

Dr. Forehand showed genuine interest in my situation. He is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and communicates clearly. I am grateful for having him as my oncologist.

November 28, 2024

5

Visit was helpful and the staff was great.

November 26, 2024

5

Great practice

November 25, 2024

3

I was asked to be there at 10:45. I arrived at 10:30. The staff did my vital quickly . I went back to the waiting room for a bit and then was called back. The nurse apologized for the wait. I then sat in that room from about 11:10 until 12:35 when the Dr came in. The nurse stopped in about 12 and asked if I was okay. Waiting almost 2 hrs from your scheduled appt time is quite along time, especially when it's your first meeting with an oncologist.

November 19, 2024

5

Great staff and doctor. No issues at all.

November 15, 2024

5

No complaints

October 30, 2024

5

An organization that I respect and trust.

October 24, 2024

5

Listened to me and seemed interested in helping me get through this.

October 16, 2024

4

Scheduling or changing an appt is difficult. Next appt was made electronically for me with an unknown Dr & on a date/ time I had a conflict. I was unable to change in person. Appt schedule didn't come up on MyChart - had to leave phone message & play telephone tag.

October 13, 2024

5

Excellent!

October 12, 2024

5

Excellent!

October 12, 2024

4

Scheduling or changing an appt is difficult. Next appt was made electronically for me with an unknown Dr & on a date/ time I had a conflict. I was unable to change in person. Appt schedule didn't come up on MyChart - had to leave phone message & play telephone tag.

October 13, 2024

5

Listened to me and seemed interested in helping me get through this.

October 16, 2024

5

An organization that I respect and trust.

October 24, 2024

5

No complaints

October 30, 2024

5

Great staff and doctor. No issues at all.

November 15, 2024

3

I was asked to be there at 10:45. I arrived at 10:30. The staff did my vital quickly . I went back to the waiting room for a bit and then was called back. The nurse apologized for the wait. I then sat in that room from about 11:10 until 12:35 when the Dr came in. The nurse stopped in about 12 and asked if I was okay. Waiting almost 2 hrs from your scheduled appt time is quite along time, especially when it's your first meeting with an oncologist.

November 19, 2024

5

Great practice

November 25, 2024

5

Visit was helpful and the staff was great.

November 26, 2024

5

Dr. Forehand showed genuine interest in my situation. He is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and communicates clearly. I am grateful for having him as my oncologist.

November 28, 2024

5

Everyone that works there is amazing they are all caring

December 13, 2024

4

I was there roughly an hour and a half before I saw the provider and he maybe spent 7 minutes with me to tell me I didn't really need to see him. If I get personally charged for this visit, it will be highway robbery.

December 22, 2024

5

This has been many months of treatments for cancer & Dr Forehand plus all nursing staff have gone above & beyond helping me with this desiese & highly recommend this practice

December 29, 2024

5

Everything was perfect.

January 8, 2025

5

I appreciate the attention and detailed explanation about my health issues from Dr Forehand. I find him and his entire staff to be incredibly professional and caring. I am sure everyone is sincerely concerned with finding answers to my questions regarding my health needs.

January 18, 2025

2

I asked the Hemotologist if my son should go back on Eliquis instead of just aspirin. He said he wasn't able the make that decision. He said that the neurologist would have to make that call. I don't understand why a Hemotologist can't do something about someone having blood that's too thick.

February 9, 2025

5

Offices, Doctor and staff are great. Wellstar Paulding needs to do something about the lack of parking.

February 14, 2025

5

Provider was very kind and took time to answer all questions.

March 2, 2025

5

I have definitely already recommend this hospital and some of the doctors to very close friends.

March 12, 2025

4

It was a long day. The next day was much shorter.

March 21, 2025

4

On my blood draw, the tech had issues with getting the needle in my arm. Another tech had to draw blood in my other arm and that was fine.

March 23, 2025

4

I checked in at 9:44am. That's when I paid my co-pay. Shortly after that I was taken back to have bloodwork done then because they were so over booked out patients I didn't leave there until approximately 10:55am. That's a long time to wait. It was ridiculous.

March 23, 2025

4

Had to wait nearly an hour each time to see the doctor

April 6, 2025

5

As my first visit I was very impressed with Dr. Forehand and look forward to my next visit.

April 10, 2025

5

Dr forehand is great Talks to you and explains well Very good experience

April 14, 2025

5

I have been a patient at this office since 2014. It's because of them that I'm able to say that!

April 24, 2025

5

I always receive excellent care from Dr Forehand, nurses and all staff and highly recommend them to everyone.

May 2, 2025

5

This was my first visit, it was impressive.

May 2, 2025

5

Very efficient

May 3, 2025

5

Great

May 5, 2025

Publications and Articles

Man hits a ball on a golf course. Text reads "RichardCare."

RichardCare

Richard Knox isn’t afraid to trust his gut. When the Hiram resident began experiencing abnormal bowel habits, he instantly knew something was off. What happened next involved advocating for his health, finding the right team of specialists to meet his needs and understanding the lifesaving role of a colonoscopy in catching colon cancer early.

Photo of Richard Knox, colon cancer survivor


Becoming an advocate

Born and raised in Smyrna, Richard spent a fulfilling career with AT&T and called many different cities “home” before his retirement in 1998. He moved back to Georgia and settled in a house by the golf course at Creekside Golf & Country Club.

Richard enjoyed an active lifestyle and managed to stay healthy; in fact, the only time he could remember staying in the hospital was in 1952 when he had his tonsils removed. However, his maternal grandfather died of colon cancer at age 65, so Richard wanted to stay proactive about his colon health, knowing his family history. He had his first routine colonoscopy in his 50s, per his physician’s recommendations—“just trying to be preventative,” he said. (Updated guidelines from the American Cancer Society now recommend that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer start screening at age 45.)

His third colonoscopy, in 2018, showed no major cause for concern—though a blood test at the time revealed anemia. A few years later, Richard noticed some changes in his bowel habits, including persistent constipation, that made him question his health. He consulted a gastroenterologist, who instructed him to stop taking Tylenol at night to help alleviate his symptoms.

But everything wasn’t fine. “It went on for several months. It wasn’t changing, and it wasn’t getting any better,” said Richard. That’s when he knew it was time to seek a fresh perspective.

Right care, right time

Richard turned to his Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. Roderick Rhyant, whom he and his wife had seen regularly since moving to Hiram. Dr. Rhyant helped coordinate care by referring Richard to a Wellstar specialist, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Benjamin Renelus.

During his first appointment with Dr. Renelus, Richard shared the results of his previous colonoscopies and recounted the recent gastrointestinal issues he’d been having. He described Dr. Renelus as someone who “lights up the whole atmosphere” and made him feel at ease discussing what can be a sensitive or difficult topic for many people.

“Richard was by and large very healthy for his age,” Dr. Renelus explained. But something wasn’t quite adding up: “What I saw in his labs was that his hemoglobin started to trend down, [indicating] there may be a GI bleed going on… but he’s not complaining of any abdominal pain. I thought, ‘This may be a tumor.’”

Like Richard, Dr. Renelus trusted his instincts—and when he didn’t feel confident with his patient’s prior colonoscopy report, he recommended a diagnostic colonoscopy. This screening test would allow him to directly examine the inside of the colon and rectum, and take a biopsy of any abnormal colon tissue.

“[Dr. Renelus] just looked at me and said, ‘You know what I’m going to say,’” Richard recalled with a laugh. “And I said, ‘That’s fine, doc. Whatever we’ve got to do. I’ve got to figure out what’s causing this.”

Knowing Richard was fit and healthy enough to undergo the procedure, Dr. Renelus scheduled the colonoscopy at the Outpatient Surgery Center at Wellstar Vinings Health Park. As it turned out, those gut feelings were right: The screening detected obstructive colon cancer.

Collaborative approach

Dr. Renelus shared the diagnosis with Richard, explaining that he had a malignant tumor originating from his colon.

“Breaking bad news, unfortunately, is something that’s not foreign to us as gastroenterologists,” he said. “But the good news is we have all the people in place at Wellstar.”

The physician promptly referred Richard to two of his Wellstar colleagues: Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Anushka Arumugasaamy, who would remove the tumor; and Hematologist/Oncologist Dr. William Forehand, who would oversee Richard’s colon cancer treatment and management.

“He was able to be seen so quickly,” Dr. Renelus said. “And I saw him in the office in between everything that was going on. He was always in good spirits. He trusted the process; he trusted me. There has to be trust on both sides. He did everything that we laid out for him.”

Richard first met with Dr. Arumugasaamy to assess the tumor. She ordered several imaging tests, including a lower abdominal CT scan and an MRI, to help stage Richard’s colon cancer and determine the most effective surgical approach. She then performed surgery to remove the tumor at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.

The surgery was a success, and Richard experienced minimal pain afterward. Several months later, he saw Dr. Forehand to discuss next steps. Thankfully, Richard’s cancer levels looked good, so Dr. Forehand said they would continue to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence.

When he returned to Dr. Forehand’s office six months later, the CT scan was “perfectly clear,” said Richard. As a final step, Dr. Renelus performed a post-surgery colonoscopy, where he removed one polyp and confirmed all cancer had been removed.

Richard will continue to see Dr. Forehand annually to ensure he remains cancer-free. “People who develop colon cancer have a 3% risk of developing another cancer within 10 years, so that’s a sizable number considering what they’ve already been through,” explained Dr. Renelus. “Ongoing surveillance is very important.”

Throughout his colon cancer treatment, Richard said he was treated with respect and compassion by every member of his Wellstar care team.

He especially appreciated Dr. Renelus’ expertise and guidance at every step. “He was great,” Richard shared. “The colonoscopy experience with him and the folks at Wellstar Vinings Health Park was fantastic.”

Screening saves lives

As colon cancer continues to rise—it is now the third most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in cancer-related death—regular screenings have become even more important.

“Colonoscopy is unique in the sense that it can prevent colon cancer by removing cancerous polyps,” explained Dr. Renelus. “And if you are diagnosed with colon cancer and we’re able to catch it at an earlier stage, your chance of survival exponentially increases.”

“I want people to trust themselves and if something feels off, go to the doctor,” he continued. “The reality is early detection is best.”

It’s also essential that patients feel comfortable bringing up any concerns with their healthcare providers, as open communication can make a big difference in treatment outcomes. In Richard’s case, Dr. Renelus said that “had he not trusted his gut or not mentioned some of these cue words with me, I don’t know if the colonoscopy would have even been explored with someone like him.”

In sharing his story, Richard hopes he can encourage others to let go of their fears and go get screened.

“If you start noticing something is different—[that] a normal process of your body changes—you need to understand why,” he shared. “That’s what happened to me, and I was fortunate to get my appointment with Dr. Renelus.”

“And if it is colon cancer, don’t give up,” he continued. “It’s very treatable when caught early. The doctors and the facilities are well equipped to do it. So get it taken care of before it gets worse.”

Learn more about colon cancer care at Wellstar and how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

Continue reading this article
William Forehand, MD
Hematologist/Oncologist affiliated with Wellstar since 2021
Rating
4.7
Specialties
Hematology/Oncology , Medical Oncology, Hematology
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University
Residency
Medical College of Georgia
Fellowship
Medical College of Georgia
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/william-forehand-md
Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.