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Every day at Genesis, lives are saved through the skilled care of the cancer team at Genesis. Read personal patient stories that provide an inside feel on how Genesis Cancer Services can improve your quality of life.

A second chance

Old books, postcards and torn sheet music. Frayed ribbons, faded fabric, old lace and broken jewelry. What’s trash for many people is treasure to Erika Wickham. These are the tools of her favorite hobby: Junk journaling. “Until proven otherwise, it can be put in a junk journal,” she laughs.

A junk journal’s meaning is determined by its creator and is as varied as the bits and bobs that adorn its pages. It’s building something beautiful with your hands. It’s figuring it out as you go. It’s never giving up.

It’s a lot like what Erika has been doing since March 8, 2022.

In the blink of eye

On March 8, 2022, Erika was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, an aggressive growing form of cancer that required immediate treatment.

She had just purchased a new home.

She was finally out of the woods with her mother, who had just recovered from a long illness that had her bedbound.

She had two jobs, a handful of hobbies and friends and family that relied on her.

She was only 49 years old.

Finding light in the darkness

In the blink of an eye, Erika went from starting a new chapter in her life to facing a battle with breast cancer.

Her treatment included a total hysterectomy, a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She also underwent hydration infusions to combat the side effects of her intense treatment.

Erika works at Genesis so she felt confident that she was in good hands. “Our Cancer Center is a gem of our organization,” she said.

Shyamal Bastola, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Hematologist and Oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, led her care.

As Erika battled cancer, she also fought to do the things that were important to her. She packed up her laptop and worked during chemotherapy. She mowed her lawn as long as she could. She still visited her mother to check on her.

A friend introduced her to junk journaling and Erika fell in love with the process. The first journal she made was of all the cards she received during treatment. Then she made another. And another.

“It’s repurposing old things and making them into something new and beautiful,” she said. “It’s giving them a second chance at life, which is what I feel that I’ve been given.”

She started creating journals for other cancer patients, so they had something to read and write in while undergoing chemotherapy. She creates them by request and donates them to the Cancer Care Center.

“It’s very healing.”

Navigating the new normal

In May 2023, Erika Wickham was declared cancer-free. She says she has an entirely new perspective and outlook on life. She creates junk journals and crafts with friends every weekend and is starting a support group for cancer survivors. “I live and do more than I ever did before.”

Ericka Wickham was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. A new hobby and the Genesis Cancer Care Center helped her find a positive outlook during treatment.

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Breast cancer blindsided me, and I overcame it

- by Ashley Tamasovich 

 

In 2018, I had everything anyone could desire. A loving husband, two wonderful daughters ages 8 and 3, a beautiful home and a career that enabled me to help people. 

 

I had a lot of life ahead of me. Or so I thought. 

 

One night, at the age of 36, I felt a lump in my armpit. 

 

Soon after, I was diagnosed with stage 2 HER2 breast cancer, a high-risk and aggressive disease. My storybook life was shattered. What if … 

 

Too much at risk to settle for less 

I was young, active, ate healthy and had no family history of breast cancer. How could this happen? I had a family and couldn’t bear the thought of not being there for them. 

 

So, I researched. I needed the best care and the best doctors. There was too much at risk to settle for less. Thankfully, I found the Genesis Cancer Care Center. As time matters in cancer treatment, I quickly underwent surgery and chemotherapy. 

 

Gratefully looking back 

It was hard. I was exhausted, nauseated, lost my appetite and my body ached. However, I was blessed to receive support from my family and friends and the new friends I made at Genesis. I was more than a task they had to complete. They understood what was at stake. They took a personal interest in me and got me through the most challenging part of my life. 

 

It has been five amazing years since my diagnosis. Five years of continuing to be a wife and mom. Five years of watching my daughters grow and compete in gymnastics competitions across the U.S. I know the pressure is on them when they compete, but I promise it is harder to watch. I want them to be happy so much I become a nervous wreck during competitions … and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. 

 

Joyfully looking ahead 

I am sharing my story because I want everyone to know you can beat cancer. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can make a difference. I didn’t fit the profile, but cancer still found me. Then I found Genesis, and I get to stay active and do the things I love. 

 

I get to keep being a wife, a mom and enjoying my hectic, wonderful life. 

 

Self-exams to self-awareness 

Breast self-exams (BSE) used to be the recommended routine screening for breast cancer. Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) now emphasize the importance of breast awareness. 

 

Breast awareness involves being familiar with how your breasts look and feel and promptly reporting changes to your healthcare provider.  

 

Here are general guidelines: 

  1. Know: Familiarize yourself with your breasts’ normal appearance and feel. 

  2. Observe: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and visually inspect your breasts for changes in size, shape or contour; skin changes or changes in the nipples. 

  3. Perform: Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Use the pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast. Apply light pressure and use a circular motion to cover the entire breast, including the underarm area and the area above the collarbone. Repeat the process on your left breast using your right hand. 

  4. Check: Pay attention to lumps, thickening or areas of unusual firmness. Many women have lumpy breasts due to normal hormonal changes, so finding a lump doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. Consult your provider if you notice new or unusual changes. 

 

Breast awareness is not a substitute for regular mammograms or professional exams. Women aged 40 and older are encouraged to undergo regular mammograms as part of breast cancer screening programs. 

 

However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your Primary Care or Specialty Physician about a screening schedule. 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

In 2018, I had everything anyone could desire. A loving husband, two wonderful daughters ages 8 and 3, a beautiful home and a career that enabled me to help people. 

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Choosing Genesis: a doctor’s choice for treatment

In September 2023, Brandice Alexander, D.O., began her 13th year as a Fellowship-trained, Board-certified Trauma Surgeon at Genesis HealthCare System. 

 

Only because she followed recommended colon cancer screening guidelines when prompted by her family physician. Two days after her colonoscopy, she received a call with the biopsy results that one of the two polyps found was cancerous. 

  

Dr. Alexander’s mentor and colleague Stuart D. Chow, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Trauma Surgeon at the Genesis Center for Surgical Excellence, performed her surgery. Shyamal R. Bastola, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Hematologist/Oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, coordinated with her treatment. “I’d rather be treated close to home by people I know and trust,” she said. “If I thought for one second that my chance for recovery was better somewhere else, I would have gone there.” 

  

Another factor in choosing Genesis was that Dr. Chow would perform her surgery robotically. “He was instrumental in getting our robotic program going,” she said. “We are far ahead of most hospitals.” 

  

After her surgery, Dr. Alexander created a Facebook post. “I rarely post. However, I wanted all my friends and colleagues to see and share the message that cancer is treatable if you catch it early.” 

  

There was one more call containing bad news. One of her lymph nodes was positive for cancer, and she needed chemo. “My Genesis family was phenomenal,” she said. “I received cards from Genesis President and CEO Matt Perry, and letters of encouragement from the entire hospital community.” She said that whoever designed the Cancer Care Center infusion suite, where rows of comfortable recliners overlook the Genesis Fitness Trail, is a genius. “Watching colleagues and people come and go was great therapy,” she said.  

 

Eleven years ago, Dr. Alexander and her husband purchased a foreclosed property on an acre of land less than a mile from Genesis Hospital. They have a pair of St. Bernard littermates, Sophie and Finn, who endlessly entertain them with sibling squabbles. 

  

When she gets home from work, Dr. Alexander does a walkabout of the yard and gardens with the dogs. “This year, I’ve been into propagating plants,” she said. “We love our backyard. It’s a good place to recharge.” A guitarist at her church, Dr. Alexander often plays in her gazebo or one of several seating areas. 

 

Dr. Alexander says she is a glass-is-half-full kind of person. Now she uses her experience as a patient to reassure her patients. “I tell them, ‘I know you’re scared, but you need to know that there are six people in this surgery suite, and you are our only focus.’ I’ve been on the receiving end of that focus. The right people are in those positions.” 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

In September 2023, Brandice Alexander, D.O., began her 13th year as a Fellowship-trained, Board-certified Trauma Surgeon at Genesis HealthCare System. 

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Breast Cancer Feedback Leads to Fewer Worries

When Kelly Ashby went for a routine OB/GYN appointment in March 2022, her mammogram showed an abnormality. There was a mass on her left breast, which worried her. 

“I thought, oh, no,” said Kelly. 

She had previously needed mammograms every six months instead of annually due to her medical history. “The waiting was always the hardest part. I’m so grateful to Genesis for reducing the time,” said Kelly. 

Her doctor told her to go to Genesis Imaging for a follow-up. She was able to get an appointment for the next day. 

An ultrasonographer did an ultrasound to examine the abnormality. Kelly thought that following the ultrasound, she would be released and wait for the doctor to call. However, the technician told her she wasn’t done. 

Immediate explanations 

“Dr. Lafferty came to see me during that appointment,” said Kelly. 

Peter Lafferty, M.D., Board-certified Diagnostic Radiologist with Riverside Radiology and Interventinonal Associates (RRIA) at Genesis said, “Everyone who has a follow-up exam is seen by a radiologist who reads the results for the patient right then.” 

This is one of the ways Genesis continues to make improvements. In 2021, Genesis brought in RRIA, a LucidHealth Company, to provide breast imaging services. This means that radiologists play a key role in patient care and interact with each patient who has a diagnostic mammogram follow-up. This enables patients to talk to their radiologist while still at their appointment and not go home wondering about the results. 

“LucidHealth’s program compresses the time frame for screenings and results,” said Dr. Lafferty. “When we interact with patients directly, we’re able to discuss results, follow-up tests, care plans or guidance.” 

“I left feeling incredible. Usually, when you leave, you wait and worry,” said Kelly. “I received quality, compassionate care at Genesis without needing to travel elsewhere.” 

Screenings make a difference 

Regular screenings are now easier than ever, and are still important. Genesis makes it as easy as possible. The goal is to have a patient in and out of a routine screening in 15 minutes. 

“The American College of Radiology feels that breast screenings have led to a reduction in mortality rates,” said Dr. Lafferty. “On average, there has been a 1% reduction every year for the past three decades. “Screenings can help catch pre-clinical breast cancer, which doesn’t show up in a physical breast exam. Screenings and exams by physicians andpatients are key to catching cancer at the earliest possible stage.”

Learn more at genesishcs.org/cancer. 

Kelly Ashby

Screenings make a difference.

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Genesis Made My Cancer Treatment Easy

By Diane Wills

 

When I had difficulty swallowing earlier this year, I brushed it off. My neck would swell a little and then go back down. I thought it was a thyroid issue. 

Then, it got worse. 

I started choking on food. Pills started getting wedged in my throat. I knew I had to make an appointment with my primary care provider. When he examined my throat, he referred me to an ear, nose and throat doctor. 

On April 15, I got a CAT scan, which led to a biopsy that revealed lymphoma. I was referred to Dr. Bastola and saw him on April 22. I was so grateful for how quickly Genesis responded. 

I was scared to death going into the appointment, and when they asked me to rate my stress level from 1 to 10, I said “10.” Dr. Bastola told me the biopsy showed non-Hodgkin’s diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and it was aggressive. By aggressive, he meant the cells divided rapidly. The good news was, as it was aggressive it would respond well to chemo. I felt so relieved. 

Nurse Navigator Annette Barr immediately had the necessary tests completed. I received the results from the blood work and echocardiogram the same day. I was impressed I received my test results so quickly. 

Six days later, I started chemo. 

I had seen the Genesis Cancer Care Center from Maple Avenue for years. My husband and I always thought it seemed nice, but we hoped never to have to use it. 

Yet, on April 28, I was ready to start my first round of chemo. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, from the receptionists to the nurses. I felt good just walking into the center. 

Three days after my first round of chemo, the Cancer Care Center staff called to check on me. I told the nurse I could no longer feel the mass in my throat. 

In the three weeks between rounds of chemo, I recovered at home. I was extremely fatigued for a few days, then I‘d feel better … and then we’d start the cycle over. Through it all, I had a great support system in my family and friends, the team at the Cancer Care Center and God. Before I was diagnosed, I routinely went to a local workout facility with my husband, and I think that helped with the side effects. 

Dr. Bastola initially thought I’d do six rounds of chemo, but the PET (positron emission tomography) scan after my third round was clear of cancer cells. He said we’d have to do one more round of chemo to make sure the cancer was gone. 

“I was in good hands from start to finish.” 

At the end of June, after my fourth round of chemo, I went back to Dr. Bastola. He told me I was in remission. I was amazed at how quickly the cancer went away, and I was so grateful to Dr. Bastola that I hugged him and cried. 

Now, I feel great. I’m taking life day by day. I’m spending time with Dave, my husband of 51 years, my two children, five grandchildren and my first great- grandchild. I was very careful during chemo, but I’m spending time with my friends again. At the end of July, I went back to the gym for the first time since chemo. I started slowly, but I’m building my strength back up. 

I could not be more grateful for the care I received. Knowing I had cancer was terrifying, but Dr. Bastola and the Cancer Care Center team made my treatment feel easy. I went in with a positive attitude and prayers, and God was with me every step of the way. I was in good hands from start to finish. 

Learn more at genesishcs.org/cancer.

By Diane Wills

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Climbing cancer’s uphill journey with local, expert guides

Debbie Lovensheimer’s hiking buddies looked concerned after traversing 25 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Normally, Debbie thrives as their fearless leader, but this time she felt bad. In addition to unusual fatigue, she consistently experienced stabbing pain after she ate. The discomfort had been going on for a while, and she had unintentionally lost 20 pounds within a month. Debbie knew this was more than indigestion, so she sought advice from her local primary care physician.

“My blood work came back whacky from that first doctor’s appointment. Within days I had a CT scan that showed a mass in my pelvis, and just days after that I had a surgery scheduled. Everything was set up quickly and smoothly,” Debbie said.

Local experts provide close-to-home care


Based on her blood work and CT scan results, Debbie’s primary care physician contacted the Genesis Cancer Care Center specialists. Known for providing expert and compassionate cancer care, the nationally accredited center offers top-quality treatment close to home.

Genesis physicians then collaborated with gynecological oncologists at OhioHealth, where Debbie underwent a hysterectomy and removal of the mass that grew around her uterus and colon. After recovering from the surgery, Debbie began six rounds of chemotherapy at the Genesis Cancer Care Center.

“We are lucky to have a top-notch cancer center in Zanesville. It made chemo so much easier for me to have a short, nice ride and not have to battle with traffic in Columbus,” Debbie said. “Plus, everyone at the center was upbeat and kind. I felt comfortable and cared for.”

Genesis Cancer Care Center offers support for a successful climb

“Patients walk through our doors and immediately feel like they’re among friends and family. I love working here because we really get to know our patients and what’s important to them,” said Annette Barr, BSN, RN, OCN, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Genesis Cancer Care Center. “We give personalized care with a hometown feel, and our patients appreciate that.”

Debbie agrees.

“They helped me successfully get through this,” Debbie said. “I can’t say enough great things about them! Now, I want to take my experience and help others with their journey.”

Helping others get on their feet

“Cancer is a journey. It starts the day of diagnosis and continues until a patient completes treatment and rebuilds a new normal,” Annette said. “With the pandemic, patients have said it’s more difficult to get out and recondition their bodies. That’s where Debbie is reaching out and making a difference.”

Eight years ago, Debbie and three friends initiated a Facebook group called “Forever Young Adventurers” for women looking to get active outside. After COVID-19 hit the United States, many new members eagerly joined, and some of them are cancer patients looking to rebuild their muscles and motivation.

“Having fellowship and outdoor experiences inspired me to get out of the chemo chair and back to hiking. I want to encourage others in the same way. Our group is free to join. I’d like to help cancer patients build up their stamina and get outside so I hope you join our group of fun, enthusiastic, inspiring women,” Debbie said. If you’re interested, you can phone Debbie at 740-828-2594 or join the Facebook group, “Forever Young Adventurers”.  

To contact specialists at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, call 740-454-5271.

Supporting Health Care in Our Communities

The Genesis HealthCare Foundation is here to promote charitable support for Genesis HealthCare System.

Ways you can help

Debbie Lovensheimer’s hiking buddies looked concerned after traversing 25 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Normally, Debbie thrives as their fearless leader, but this time she felt bad. In addition to unusual fatigue, she consistently experienced stabbing pain after she ate.

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Woman Gets a Third Chance at Life After Cancer

Fighting aggressive breast cancer later in life

“Even tripping over a dog and breaking your rib can be a good thing,” said the ultimate positive-thinker, Lori Taylor, a 54-year-old resident of Cambridge.

When Lori tripped over her energetic border collie, a series of events began rolling, leading to her second diagnosis of cancer in July 2017.

Lori first experienced breast cancer in 2011. She had a mastectomy and then underwent chemotherapy and radiation every week for 52 weeks – and it was successful. She was living cancer-free, or so she thought. After her fall, an X-ray showed a mass on her rib cage. Further testing revealed the breast cancer was back, and it had spread to her spine, ribs, liver and lungs.

“If you were to look at me, you’d never know it,” Lori said. “I’m active. I’m healthy. I eat right. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink much. I’m one of those people who everyone said would be one of the last to go. This shocked a lot of people.”

Lori herself felt shocked when she learned the cancer returned. This time, when deciding where to receive treatment, she turned to the Genesis Cancer Care Center.

“My mind felt at ease with the decision,” Lori said. “I’m so glad I came here. The doctors are great, as are the people behind the scenes – the radiation techs, chemotherapy nurses and patient navigators. They work so well together; it’s teamwork in action.”

Chemotherapy treatment followed by radiation

“Lori has HER2 positive breast cancer. It’s considered a relatively aggressive type of breast cancer and is known to come back,” explained Shyamal Bastola, M.D., medical hematologist/oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center.

Following the nation’s standard of treatment for Lori’s type and stage of breast cancer, Dr. Bastola organized a regimen of six cycles of chemotherapy, administered every three weeks. Dr. Bastola also collaborated with Shalini Gupta, M.D., radiation oncologist at the cancer center, as Lori received radiation to areas in her back, spine, ribs, neck and shoulders.

“We used radiation to alleviate pain caused by metastasized tumors, and it did just that,” Dr. Gupta said. “Lori’s goals are to remain active and maintain her quality of life. Likewise, those goals are central to our cancer center and our philosophy for treating patients.”

The value of coordinated care – and of friends

Imaging, chemotherapy, radiation and palliative care teams work together at Genesis, and each patient receives a nurse navigator to coordinate care and to serve as a go-to contact person.

“I love that we’re a team able to provide individualized, personalized care,” said Wendy Long, B.S.N., R.N., OCN, CBHN, who is Lori’s cancer navigator. “When patients have a question or concern, they call me and I coordinate any needed care. When patients feel poorly and need fluids to perk them up a bit, I set that up. We don’t want anyone feeling bad over the weekend, so it’s nice to live close and be able to swing by. We’re here for our patients … our job is to make things go as smoothly as possible.”

As Lori underwent her treatments, she witnessed her Genesis team, family and friends all rally around her. For example, teachers at her middle school created a calendar to freshen Lori’s kitty litter box, cousins arrived to help with her basement, close friends cleaned her home drove her to chemo and radiation, and many delivered goodies and glad tidings.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to help people too,” Lori said. “I feel blessed to have all these people in my life. As a strong, independent person, it’s hard to ask for help – but people want to help. I’m very fortunate. I wish everybody could have this kind of support system.”

Positively inspiring after cancer treatment – living the lessons

Lori has taught middle school art for 32 years, and she knew her cancer contained lessons worth discussing with her students. In fact, Lori says these lessons gave beautiful meaning to her cancer journey.

“We spent a lot of time talking about it – about cancer,” said Lori. “I gave them time to ask questions. They asked a lot of questions – like what chemo is, how it’s given, and if it hurts. I think that’s part of the reason I had this experience … maybe I was meant to help one or two students in their journey. Maybe I was supposed to help others alleviate their fear. I guess my role wasn’t just being an art teacher, it was helping them through something, too.”

Even though Lori isn’t formally teaching art right now, she continues to stand as a living lesson of positivity and a masterpiece of endurance.

“I always say, it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you deal with it. There are people worse off than you are, so make the best of it and go on,” Lori said.

And Lori is definitely going on. She’s often taking backpacking trips and enjoying water skiing, vacations and all that life has to offer.

Managing her disease with treatment and attitude

“Lori is an active and incredibly positive patient, and I think she has a good quality of life – and that’s the goal,” Dr. Bastola said. “Since her treatment at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, Lori’s cancer has shrunk and is considered stable. To maintain the shrinkage from the chemo, she now undergoes what we call maintenance chemotherapy.”

Lori continues to visit Genesis every 3 weeks for maintenance chemo, and will do so for the rest of her life.

“I think of it as a chronic disease that I just have to manage,” Lori said. “I can handle this. My dad passed away of Parkinson’s and dementia, and my mom has Alzheimer’s and dementia – those are things you can’t fight. I can fight this. I can fight how I feel. I can make sure my body is healthy and active … I tell everybody, be positive, positive, positive.”

Lori Taylor, Cancer Patient Story
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Woman Chooses Lumpectomy and Chemotherapy for Stage II Breast Cancer

Mammogram screening detects small lump

When Deanna Martin, 77, and her relatives gather for a family reunion, it’s a big group. A reunion several years ago hosted 500 people. During the celebration, Deanna found herself embraced in hugs and conversations about cancer. Ovarian, esophageal, lung and breast cancer seem to run in the family.

Deanna’s daughter learned she had breast cancer at the age of 40. Her brother also fought breast cancer, and her mother had a grapefruit-sized tumor on her ovary. As a result, Deanna’s loving family encouraged her to get annual mammogram screenings.
“I went in for a mammogram regularly because my daughter kept fussing and several mammograms didn’t have any indications of cancer. And then something showed up,” Deanna remembered. “It first appeared as a small lump. After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.”

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Genetic testing helps create treatment plan

Due to her family history, Deanna underwent genetic testing following her diagnosis to determine if she carries a genetic mutation that significantly increase the risk of cancer. Deanna’s test results came back with a surprising conclusion.

“I was actually shocked,” said Shannon Hanley, M.D., breast surgeon, Genesis Breast Care Center. “Given Deanna’s family history, I anticipated a positive result for a genetic mutation, but her results came back as, ‘variant of unknown significance.’ Variant of unknown significance means that the sequence of the gene is not normal but is not a pathogenic mutation either. About 85% of these variants are benign.”

With her family history and genetic results in mind, Dr. Hanley and a team of expert cancer physicians met together at the Genesis Breast Care Center to discuss the best treatment options.

“Not all breast cancers are created equal, so all plans are different,” Dr. Hanley said. “We treat every single patient as an individual. No one is a cookie cutter – not in their personalities or their disease. That’s why the radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and I meet to look at patients’ imaging and test results. Then, considering their health, age and family history, we come up with a personalized plan for each patient.”

Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation close to home

Deanna’s threefold treatment plan all took place close to home, at Genesis, thus saving her valued time and much-needed energy. Deanna’s personalized treatment plan goal was to destroy cancer cells as much as possible before surgery. Deanna started her treatment with several rounds of chemotherapy. Next, Dr. Hanley performed a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous lump and 19 lymph nodes. Following surgery, Deanna underwent 35 radiation treatments – five days a week for seven weeks.

“It was rough for Deanna. The chemotherapy knocked her down a bit, but every time we saw her, she had a positive attitude and a smile on her face,” Dr. Hanley said.

Having a close-at-hand team of experts dedicated to providing collaborative, personalized and compassionate care brought Deanna comfort and encouragement during the difficult days of treatment.

“You could not ask for anyone better,” Deanna raved. “My radiation oncologist, Shalini Gupta, M.D., Genesis Care Center, was great. My oncologist, Phu Tran, M.D., hematologist/oncologist, Genesis Cancer Care Center, made me feel like I was a relative of his. He was always so concerned and compassionate. And I felt like I knew Dr. Hanley all my life.”

From Dr. Hanley’s perspective, it’s the high-quality care made available on a local level, in combination with compassionate and family-like atmosphere that makes the Genesis Breast Care Center exceptional. “I like that we have the same state-of-the-art equipment and all of the treatment locally that you could get at any larger facility, but we offer it in a more intimate and personal setting,” Dr. Hanley said.

Deanna’s treatment wasn’t easy, but she said the Genesis team and her faith, family and friends pulled her through. “The Lord and the people around me helped me through the treatments,” Deanna said. “It was overwhelming to be on the receiving end of that love. I give the highest praise to the doctors and nurses – and even the valet who parked the car at the hospital – and everyone I had contact with through my journey.”

Make an appointment today

Call Genesis Central Scheduling at (740) 454-4242 to schedule a mammogram. To make an appointment with a provider at the Genesis Breast Care Center, call (740) 454-5221.

Deanna Martin Patient Story
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Tailored Cancer Care

Enables Working Mom to Stay Close to Home

One Sunday evening, Kristie Prati applied lotion to her body and detected a lump in her breast. She instantly felt compelled to act. “I had that sinking feeling,” Kristie remembered. “I just knew this was something I couldn’t waste time on. I had to make the call.”

The next morning, Kristie phoned the Genesis Cancer Care Center. It seemed like the natural place to call, because she frequently heard patients praise the center in her professional role as counselor at Genesis Rehabilitation Services.

“Co-workers and friends had previously shared the wonderful experiences they had from the Genesis Cancer Care team. I chose to stay around the area for treatment due to keeping my family life as stable/normal as possible,” Kristie said. “I was pleased that I got in quickly to see Dr. Hanley.”

During Kristie’s initial appointment, she received an ultrasound and a physical exam to gather more information.

“Kristie had a mass in her left breast that was smooth and round. The shape and imaging seemed consistent with something benign,” said Shannon Hanley, M.D., fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Genesis Breast Care Center. “Typically, I biopsy tissue and send it to the lab before surgery, but Kristie wanted the lump taken out right away. We did, and surprisingly the pathology revealed malignancy – it was cancer.”

Dr. Hanley explained to Kristie the diagnosis and what her options were for the journey ahead.

“That was a total shock,” Kristie said. “When I was given the diagnosis, my kids were the first thing that popped into my head. I wanted to do everything in my power to stop the cancer from spreading or returning.”

Customized Cancer Care

Kristie is the mother of twin 9-year-old girls, Gabriella and Ava. With them in the forefront of her mind, she chose to undergo chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.

“I let my patients know that long-term survival is the same whether they choose a lumpectomy (surgical removal of part of the breast) or a mastectomy (surgical removal of the entire breast) and then I leave it up to them,” Dr. Hanley said. “There isn’t a cookie-cutter plan for patients. We always consider genetics, density of tissue, type and cancer location and several other factors. Every plan of care is tailored to that patient.”

To customize each patient’s care, members of the Genesis Cancer Care Center collaborate closely. They gather weekly to discuss newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and design the best comprehensive plans.

“It’s something special we have here,” Dr. Hanley said. “The care team is close knit, and the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. We talk and tailor plans for each patient. Some need chemotherapy before surgery, some need surgery first and then chemotherapy, and some don’t need chemo at all.”

One Surgery, Two Purposes

Kristie successfully underwent six rounds of chemotherapy before her mastectomy with immediate reconstructive surgery.

“I had fairly minimal side effects and continued working throughout chemo. When it came time for surgery, Dr. Hanley and Dr. Tiwari were able to do the mastectomy and start reconstruction at the same time. (Pankaj Tiwari, M.D., is a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction.) “This was important to me because I wanted my life to remain as normal as possible for my husband and children. I did not want them to miss out on any practices or events,” Kristie said.

The collaboration and coordination between breast and plastic surgeons during immediate reconstruction allows patients to eliminate an extra surgery and recover quicker. During the procedure, the breast surgeon removes the tissue, then the plastic surgeon constructs the new breast.

“I find that women undergoing mastectomies have greater satisfaction when these surgeries are performed simultaneously,” Dr. Hanley said.

Familiar Faces, Family Vibes

With Kristie’s reconstruction and chemotherapy recently completed, she’s looking back with gratitude for the ability to have excellent cancer care close to home.

“The Genesis Cancer Care Center is only 10 minutes from my house. Since we’re part of a small community, I saw several familiar faces there. I kept thinking, ‘This is how it’s meant to be – they’re part of my treatment team.’ By the end, they had become like family.”

The cancer care team consists of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, pathologists, radiologists, nurse navigators and nurse practitioners. Together, they provide leading-edge, compassionate cancer care to community members.

“We’re personally invested in each of our patients. We offer everything a big city cancer center would, yet because of all the familiar faces you’ll see here, our support system can be much stronger than a larger center,” Dr. Hanley said. “I’m proud of the quality of care here.”

Kristie Prati Patient Story

One Sunday evening, Kristie Prati applied lotion to her body and detected a lump in her breast. She instantly felt compelled to act.

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Pathology Screening After Hysterectomy Saves Mom

Cervical cancer treated with radiation and chemotherapy

It’s often said that mothers hold their families together … but what if Mom gets cancer?

Stacey Scott, 42, from Lewisville, Ohio, finds great joy caring for her family, but she found herself needing extra care last year when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cervical cancer.

“My whole world stopped,” Stacey said. “I remember thinking, ‘What? This can’t happen to me. I can’t get cancer. My son is graduating from high school; my daughter needs me. How am I going to do this?’ It was just plain scary and overwhelming.”

Dealing with symptoms for two years

Stacey had sought out her gynecologist because of numerous symptoms including lengthy menstrual cycles, severe cramping, unusual discharge, constant nausea and fatigue. She suffered with those symptoms for two years before finally undergoing procedures, including a hysterectomy, which led to her cancer diagnosis.

“Every time a cervix and uterus are removed during a simple hysterectomy for presumed benign conditions, they undergo certain testing,” explained Eugene Hong, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center. “Results from that pathology identify unexpected cancers between two and five percent of the time. When that happens, the cancer is labeled as an incidental or occult finding, and it obviously comes as quite a surprise.”

Stacey’s hysterectomy pathology results showed she had stage 1b cervical cancer, meaning the disease was contained in the cervix. Genesis’ expert team of pathologists – Ejaz Ahmad, M.D., Irena Sheyn, M.D., and Jonathan Tongson, M.D., were involved in diagnosing and confirming Stacey’s cancer from her Pap test and tissue examination. The Genesis pathology department ensures cancer diagnoses, including 100 percent of all new malignant diagnoses, are reviewed by least two pathologists.

Warning signs of cervical cancer can be tricky

Stacey was surprised and shocked. Typically, abnormal Pap tests lead the way to finding cervical cancer, as early cervical cancers usually have no symptoms. Once cervical cancer grows invasive into nearby tissue, symptoms can include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Painful intercourse

Because cervical cancer is an aggressive cancer, early detection leads to the best cure rates. In fact, early detection of cervical cancer provides cure rates between 90 and 95 percent.

Stacey received a referral to a gynecological oncologist at a Columbus hospital, who recommended treatment at the Genesis Cancer Care Center. Her team of cancer specialists crafted a personalized package of treatment involving external beam radiation therapy, chemotherapy and an internal high-dose radiation therapy called brachytherapy.

“I ended up having five rounds of chemotherapy, 25 doses of radiation therapy and two doses of internal radiation. I went five days a week for five weeks in a row – and I did not miss a single appointment,” Stacey said.

Fighting to stay in treatment

Stacey’s perfect attendance to her treatment appointments did not come easily – she fought to make it through each day of travel and treatment, and she even considered giving up at one point. Living in Lewisville meant a one hour and 20-minute drive each day, each way. With a busy working family, Stacey determined to make the drive by herself, except for Mondays when she had both radiation and chemotherapy and leaned on family and friends to drive her. The drive became more difficult as the accumulative effects of treatment grew heavier.

“The first week, I started feeling drained, sweaty and constantly hot,” Stacey said. “The second week got worse. By the third week, nausea, fatigue and sickness were horrible. I was so weak, I could barely shower. I also got thrush from the chemo. My mouth was full of sores and I couldn’t eat real food. The fourth week, my muscles and intestines couldn’t hold things in any longer. The drive to Genesis felt so long, and I’d have to stop at every restroom along the way. It was awful. Every muscle hurt. I wanted to give up. In fact, I went to my cancer nurse navigator and told her, ‘I just can’t do it anymore. I’m done.’”

Annette Barr, BSN, RN, CGRN, OCN, cancer nurse navigator at Genesis, remembers that conversation well. “Treatment is not simple, and people often want to quit when they’re feeling overpowered by the side effects,” Barr said. “When that happens, I help them remember why they started treatment in the first place. There’s obviously a reason for choosing to fight the disease – and if the reason is still there, there’s still reason to fight.”

Making accommodations so patients are comfortable

Barr’s pep talk gave Stacey a boost of motivation to continue treatment. Next, Barr connected Stacey with tactics to lighten the load of cancer treatment.

“I encouraged Stacey to take opportunities for additional support (like receiving extra IV fluids toward the end of the week) and to approach her battle one day at a time,” Barr said. “Plus, we talked with physicians and they modified medications to help with side effects. Like many of our patients, Stacey is independent, strong and resilient, but it’s important to realize there are times to allow others on the journey with you.”

Barr also collaborated with the American Cancer Society and Cancer Concern Coalition of Morgan, Muskingum and Perry Counties to gift Stacey with hotel accommodations at the Hampton Inn for the last few nights of her treatment. This enabled Stacey to avoid the long drive at her most exhausted state. Not only did this surprise make her last days of treatment much more pleasant, Stacey felt like they made completion of treatment possible.

“Our best outcomes happen when therapy is completed as scheduled, and I didn’t want her to look back and regret not finishing,” said Barr. “And she did it! She showed power and strength and courage to finish every day. She’s an amazing role model for her daughter and son.”

Treatment involves medicine and compassion

Likewise, Stacey praises the Genesis cancer team.

“I know I just met them when I started treatments, but in five weeks it felt like they were family. The doctors, nurses and radiation folks are absolutely wonderful. I could call any time and they’d talk me through what I was feeling, and the doctors would call me personally to check in,” Stacey said.

Checking out of the Hampton Inn and Genesis Cancer Care Center’s treatments, Stacey celebrated her treatment completion – and that fact that she was cancer-free!

Today, Stacey continues serving her family. Her son recently walked in his high school graduation, and her daughter moved out of the house. Family remains central and the “To Do” lists remain long, but now Stacey has advice for other busy moms out there who may brush aside their own health concerns.

“You can’t take life for granted,” said Stacey. “As soon as you have a symptom, get it checked out. Your life depends on it.”

Stacey Scott Patient Story

Stacey Scott, 42, found herself needing extra care from Genesis when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cervical cancer.

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