Senior living

RANDOLPH CANCER CENTER PROVIDES HIGH END CARE TO FIGHT CANCER LOCALLY Story & Photos by Greta Lint

Doctors James Palermo, Christine McCarty and DeQuincy Lewis enjoy working at a smaller hospital because they can take time with their patients, communicate amongst themselves about cases and find comfort with low turnover in support staff. Local cancer patients say they feel “blessed to have the Randolph Cancer Center.” It offers services found at larger hospitals. But, one major difference is communication. Doctors can ask and answer questions quickly.

Oncologist Dr. Christine McCarty is the medical director. She is joined by Dr. James Palermo, radiation oncologist and Dr. DeQuincy Lewis, medical oncologist and hematologist.

From New Jersey, McCarty studied in Florida, where she ultimately opened her own practice. Her husband, Dick Tracy, and she, routinely vacationed in North Carolina. She longed to be a doctor, not a business owner. When a position opened here, they moved and brought their BMW motorcycle and side car, their chosen method of transportation in the lower 48 states and the Alps.

A brain tumor in his first year of college was probably the impetus for Palermo to go into medicine. Originally from Winston-Salem, he was studying international business at Georgetown University when he changed to pre-med. He had worked at other hospitals before coming to Asheboro. The level of communication was a huge drawing card for him. From Hillsborough, Lewis said getting into oncology was by "pure happenstance." He was at NC A&T University

studying chemical engineering. Then “on a whim,” he changed to a medical career – perhaps cardiology or gastroenterology. When he took a hematology class, he found chemistry with it and was “hooked.”

Patients credit the doctors and staff for saving their lives.

In 2018, Pamela Wiggins thought she had a bad case of sciatica and was treating that. But, three months later, she tripped, fell and broke both hips. Paramedics told her about the Randolph Cancer Center. The x-ray found she had Stage IV breast cancer that had metastasized, meaning it had spread to many other parts of her body. Titanium rods were inserted into her thigh bones to stabilize her hips.

“When I awoke, Dr. McCarty was there,” Wiggins smiled. “She said she was going to be my doctor.” Today, the energized Wiggins has a walking route throughout downtown Asheboro. She praises God, everyone at the cancer center and her family. She feels like the staff “roll out the red carpet for me.”

Kristen Priest, assistant principal at Southwest Middle School in High Point, said cancer runs in her family.

After a mammogram, she received a routine letter “explaining that I am like a lot of women and have dense breast tissue and needed further testing…I was not surprised.” The second x-ray showed she had Stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma that was aggressive.

She said, “I felt like my heart had fallen to my feet. Luckily for me, I have a fantastic support system with my family and friends and I have a strong faith in God.”

She received a call from Randolph Cancer Center. Dr. McCarty and surgeon Dr. Mike Lininger, came up with a plan. In one year, she had a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and a hysterectomy.

Throughout the surgery and chemo, she said, “I had the

Kristen Priest stays on the go. She has been active in Central United Methodist Church for 25 years. She missed one mammogram and found out she had a rare cancer. She credits her “great support system, my faith, and the great care that I received and continue to receive at Randolph Cancer Center.”

Pamela Wiggins uses her cancer story to give testimony to God and the Randolph Cancer Center. She loves shopping and making arts and crafts. Her contagious smile and vigorous energy has helped other cancer patients.

love and support of the nurses… I honestly can’t imagine going anywhere else for my treatments or care.”

The Randolph Cancer Center is a joint effort between Randolph Health and Cone Health, in Greensboro. Doctors are employed by Cone Health. Staff work for Randolph Health.

The two hospitals started working together to provide cancer services in 1998. In 2006, Randolph Cancer Center was approved to provide oncology radiation treatments, meaning patients no longer had to drive to Greensboro. In 2008, the center officially opened.

The Center treats all kinds of cancers. The top five are breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and melanoma. Between Oct. 2019 and Sept. 2020, there were 6,973 office visits, 5,380 infusion treatments and 4,323 radiation treatments.

Randolph Cancer Center is located at 373 N. Fayetteville Street, in the same building as the Randolph Health Outpatient Department. For information, call (336) 6260033.

Greta Lint is a freelance writer in Asheboro who is a patient at the Randolph Cancer Center.

RSAA NAMES NEW ARCHDALE SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

Randolph Senior Adults Association is pleased to introduce Misty Gasey as the new Archdale Senior Center Director!

Misty is a seasoned healthcare professional and the mother to 3 boys. She began her career working as a Personal Care Assistant in nursing homes before taking a position with Therapeutic Alternative where she worked one-on-one with special needs clients. She worked there 11 years before coming to RSAA where she recently accepted the center director position.

Misty has “hit the ground running” and is excited about growing the programs and membership at the Archdale Senior Center along with Assistant Director, Barbara Emery. When asked to describe a little about herself she said, “I am truly passionate and dedicated to the work I do!” RSAA is grateful to have her and we look forward to seeing her succeed in her new role.

ABOUT THE CENTER

The Archdale Senior Center is located at 108 Park Drive and is a community focal point for older adults to gather for nutritional, recreational, educational and informational services. Under the Randolph Senior Adults Association. Activities offered at the center include: • Bingo, • Birthday parties • Blood pressure checks • Crafts • Exercise, • Movies • Music.

In addition, the center has 4 Meals-On-Wheels routes delivering meals to homebound seniors. The Archdale Senior Center is also able to access other services through the Asheboro office, including • Information, Assistance and Options counseling, • Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) • Day trips • Bus tours • Medication assistance • Operation fan relief • Legal aid

Due to Covid-19, the center is temporarily closed but still offering essential programs. We look forward to the future when we can resume all the fun and fellowship! For more information on services available, call the center at 336-431-1938.