The American Cancer Society estimated that there were 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States in 2022. That is almost 5,250 people a day who hear the news and then have to navigate through diagnostic testing, various forms of treatment, and numerous other appointments. The oncology services team at Piedmont Henry Hospital, from staff members in imaging or radiation oncology, to nurses, physicians, surgeons, medical oncologists, and more, helps people every step of the way. 

“Everyone with Piedmont was very comforting,” said Denise Neikirk, a Stage 0 breast cancer patient from Thomaston who completed her radiation treatment at Piedmont Henry’s radiation oncology office in Griffin in July. “They held my hand the whole way through. They were like family.”

Neikirk went for her routine annual mammogram in March and felt fine. There were no areas of concern, so she assumed all was well. Later, she was asked to come back for additional imaging and then a biopsy to examine some unusual looking cells. The news came soon after. It was Ductal Carcinoma in situ, one of three possible types of Stage 0 breast cancer.

“I was shocked,” said Neikirk. “There were no lumps or bumps. There was no discharge. It was upsetting at first, but I walked on faith. I knew God didn’t bring me here to not get me through it. I knew I was bigger than this diagnosis.”

Stage 0 breast cancer is when cancer cells are present in one or more of the breast ducts but have not spread to other areas of the breast, lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Although stage 0 breast cancer is considered non-invasive or pre-invasive, patients still need to obtain treatment to prevent the cancer from becoming invasive.

“As always, women are urged to perform self-exams and report any changes or irregularities to their doctor, but with stage 0 there would likely be no palpable lump,” said Ashwin Sheelvanth, M.D., a medical oncologist at Piedmont Henry. “That’s why it’s important for women to have routine mammograms performed annually.”

Neikirk was told her cancer was caught very early. It was all located within the duct milk gland and there was no need for a mastectomy. She had surgery in May and then began 20 fractions of radiation therapy in Griffin soon after. The location of the office couldn’t have been more convenient as it was only a short ride away from Neikirk’s home.

“They went above and beyond for me from the very beginning,” said Neikirk.” They handled my insurance, making sure I had a letter if needed. They were always so sweet and reassuring. I brought candy and cookies for them.”

Nearly two-thirds of patients diagnosed with cancer are candidates for radiation therapy, which is the careful use of high-energy radiation to target tumors or diseased areas of the body. Radiation can be used in a definitive setting with or without chemotherapy, in the pre-operative setting to shrink the cancer to optimize surgery, or in the post-operative setting to prevent recurrence of the cancer. Recently, the Stockbridge location added a new linear accelerator and a 4D CT with respiratory gating and breath hold technology, which allows them to offer a treatment for left-sided breast cancer that can reduce the risk of heart issues later in life.

“Deep inspiration breath hold, or respiratory gating, allows the treatment to match the patient’s breathing cycle, so that the linear accelerator only delivers treatment during a specified phase of respiration,” said Kim Neisler, M.D., medical director of radiation oncology at Piedmont Henry. “This is just one way we can design treatment for each patient individually.”

Franchell Thomas, a Henry County resident, was diagnosed with left breast cancer last September. After surgery performed by Christopher Jean-Louis, DO, a breast surgical oncologist at Piedmont Henry, Thomas had chemotherapy and radiation therapy before beginning immunotherapy treatments.

“It was scary at first, because I didn’t know what to expect. I wondered if it would hurt or if I would burn,” said Thomas. “But I was excited too because every step along the way is a milestone to being close to the end and fully healed.”

Thomas also talked about the support she received from the Harbor of Hope monthly support group meeting in Piedmont Henry’s education building (second Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m.).

“The members of the group share advice and encouragement because they have gone through many of the same things,” said Thomas. “I believe that positivity is the best medicine. It will get you through anything. It’s important to remember to never give up, because every day is worth it.”

Piedmont Henry Hospital’s oncology program recently launched its first-ever oncology support group for patients with a cancer diagnosis. The group is facilitated by Danielle Neal-Jones, LMSW, the outpatient oncology social worker at Piedmont Henry.

“This group aims to provide a way for someone to get what they need, whether that’s advice, answers, encouragement, or just someone to listen,” said Neal-Jones. “The members of the group will often lead discussions, providing terrific insight and support.”

By not dividing the group based on a cancer diagnosis, members will find commonalities in their journeys and gain a better understanding of oncology.  

“When you are receiving treatment or recovering from cancer, there is a lot of information coming at you from all directions,” said Dr. Sheelvanth. “Having peers to help you navigate through this challenging time is very important. This group can be a sounding board, a safe space to process complicated emotions, and a resource to find answers to questions you may have.”

The Piedmont Henry Oncology Support Group will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month in the Education Building on the hospital campus.

For more information about oncology services at Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org/cancer.

By Mike Boylan