2022 Healthy Woman Magazine

Woman

Complimentary

2022

HEALTHY TM

Delivering

Tiny Blessings Know Your Body

Chi: Centered Sandwiched Between Kids and Elderly Parents

An Annual Women’s Health Publication Presented By:

Woman & West Georgia TM

Magazine

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Females

Recent medical studies by Board Certified Sleep Medicine Doctors suggest that females may be underdiagnosed and receive less treatment for OSA than men.

Symptoms found in women may include: Insomnia, depressive symptoms, fatigue, morning headaches and nightmares.

770.838.5864 Jeffrey Reid, M.D. Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and the Director of the Tanner Sleep Labs

Lindsey Roenigk, M.D. Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine

Physicians Care Group of West Georgia Primary Care, Lung and and SleepSleep Medicine Primary Care, Lung Medicine Professional Park Building 100 Professional Place • Suite 204 Carrollton, GA 30117

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www.pcgofwestga.com

WWW.SPA316.US 770.537.1236

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Tai chi instructor Phyllis Head.

Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well’s Tai Chi for Health classes help participants increase mobility, improve physical function and reduce stress.

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What’s Inside...

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7

From Student to Teacher

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Hot Times

22 27

Take Heart!

12

Know Your Body

32

Surviving

16

Sandwiched

36

Hometown Doc

Tiny Blessings

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

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Volume 2 2022 Healthy Woman Magazine An annual partnership with Tanner Health System

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

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We mail thousands of copies each month to households through Direct Mail or get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and 4 a.m. Coffee Roasters (Maple Street) and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; Kroger in Cedartown; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.), Kroger (Bullsboro Drive and Newnan Crossings Blvd.) and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan;Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd., Highway 5 and Ridge Rd.) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Jones Barbecue in Temple; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Universal Fitness in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Thompson pharmacy in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville and the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram, Publix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities in nine counties in West Georgia and East Alabama.

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Healthy Woman Editorial

Debbie Bolding, Ronda Faries, Tray Lowery, Tony Montcalm and Amanda Thomas

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Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2022. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Print or digital reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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From Student to Teacher

had the DVDs. I didn’t use them, so a class was really what I needed.”

Stafford enjoyed her yoga classes through Carrollton Parks and Rec, but the department didn’t offer tai chi.

In 2010, she had bilateral hip replacement surgery that prevented her from doing yoga. So, she continued her search for a tai chi class, which is often recommended as a safe exercise to do after surgery with a doctor’s approval.

She asked the senior center if they were offering any tai chi classes since the practice is so beneficial for that age group.

“I was focusing on the senior center, and I kept going and asking because I thought that would be the logical place to check,” she said.

But a trip to the library led her to what she was looking for.

Finding Her Chi About four years ago, Stafford came across a flyer at Villa Rica Public Library that caught her eye.

“I saw the flyer for a free introductory tai chi class at the How Tai Chi Helps a Villa Rica Woman Find Balance library,” she said.

By Amanda Thomas The class, Tai Chi for Health, was offered by Tanner Health hen 77-year-old Carol Stafford of Villa Rica System’s Get Healthy, Live Well – a community health collaborative – working to provide community was first introduced to tai chi, she was in members with healthy lifestyle classes focusing her 20s.

It was the 1980s, and her mother was taking a tai on chronic disease management, prevention and wellness. chi class at a senior center in California.

Get Healthy, Live Well’s Tai Chi for Health classes “I would watch her in class and became interested help participants increase mobility, improve physical in it,” Stafford recalled. “That was the first time I’ve function and reduce stress. Based on Sun and Yang ever really seen it, and the seniors seemed to be style tai chi, the program combines deep breathing getting so much out of it.”

Over the years, she took a few classes while living and relaxation with slow, gentle movements. in San Francisco. When she moved to Georgia in the Fundamental movement sets are taught, along late 90s, she had a hard time finding a local class she with warm-up and cool-down exercises. Qigong breathing exercises are also included. could afford.

“We all deserve to feel good and be healthy,” “There was one tai chi studio in Carrollton, but the said Phyllis Head, a tai chi instructor at Get Healthy, classes were a little out of my budget,” she said.

Live Well. “Tai chi is an excellent form of exercise Stafford figured she could practice tai chi on her that can help you manage chronic pain, reduce own but soon realized she was missing one key stress and even improve balance. It’s also a lot of element. fun. Participants often tell me they enjoy the class “I don’t think I have the discipline,” she said. “I

W

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because it’s also a time to socialize and meet new friends.”

After taking her first intro to tai chi class in Villa Rica, Stafford was hooked and went on to take the advanced classes. She described the class atmosphere as being relaxed and very positive.

“It’s a very welcoming and encouraging environment,” she said. “Phyllis makes sure everyone feels comfortable and encouraged. There’s just lots of love in the classes. It’s just a wonderful feeling of camaraderie.”

Stafford is thrilled that a health system provides tai chi classes to residents in the community.

“I appreciate the fact that Tanner did the research and concluded that tai chi contributes to enhanced health and wellbeing on so many levels,” she said. “I’m so impressed with tai chi as a discipline because you get so many benefits from it. It’s terrific for balance. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that if I don’t work on my balance, it will get worse as a natural consequence of aging.”

While the tai chi movements may be too slow for some, she enjoys it and likens it to a dance or poetry in motion.

“It’s more fun to do it with a group because then it’s like a dance,” she said. “It’s called a moving meditation. When you finish the form, you feel so energized and calm at the same time. It’s an extremely peaceful feeling.”

Tai chi also helps build confidence and reduce the fear of falling.

“If you do tai chi and become more confident in your balance, just that confidence will be a fall prevention exercise because you don’t have that hesitancy or fear of falling that is so dangerous,” she said.

The Student Has Become the Teacher

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When Head asked Stafford and a few other participants to become certified instructors, Stafford didn’t hesitate to sign up for the certification training.

“I felt very confident in my knowledge about tai chi, and since I’ve been doing it so much with Phyllis, I knew the form really well,” she said. “I thought it would be great to

share it with as many people as possible.”

Head described Stafford as a dedicated student and knew she’d make a great instructor.

“Carol is so supportive of other students and wants everyone to experience the joy of tai chi,” she said. “She has a wealth of knowledge on tai chi, is always willing to share what she knows with others and is always learning herself. I knew she would be an excellent instructor.”

Carol began teaching tai chi in March to the residents of The Birches at Villa Rica.

“I’m really excited about tai chi, and I’m looking for ways to spread it into the community and expand it as much as possible,” she said. “Tanner is doing a wonderful job of making that happen, so I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Finding Joy in Movement Stafford has a word of advice for people who may be intimidated about trying tai chi because they’re afraid they won’t be able to learn the moves.

“The value in tai chi is not the dance or learning a routine,” she said.

“It’s the underlying principles of learning how to breathe, hold your body and move. It's about moving slowly against a gentle resistance, focusing your mind and relaxing into an easy flow.” WGW To sign up for tai chi, visit www.tanner.org/taichi.

For more information about Get Healthy, Live well, visit www.GetHealthyLiveWell.org.

Hot Times

Hysterectomy and Hormone Replacement Therapy Solve Decades of Problems

By Ronda Faries

L

auren Nist of Bremen was only 34 when she had a hysterectomy in November 2018, followed by the removal of one remaining ovary in early 2021.

While that seems young, the relief those surgeries brought followed a lifetime of gynecologic issues and associated chronic pain, as well as the joyous birth of a son and daughter with husband, Chris.

“I think my hormones were off, maybe for decades of my life,” said Nist. “But I didn’t know to complain about it.”

This revelation really hit home with Nist after the removal of her one remaining ovary and the start of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Now 36, she credits the use of implantable pellets for hormone replacement therapy – prescribed by Shannon Couvreur, DO, an OB/GYN with Tanner Healthcare for Women – with enabling her to feel and be her best as an adult.

“I noticed a difference within a week after getting the first pellets,” said Nist, who didn’t like the idea of hormone creams because she feared they could inadvertently affect her children. “And I can easily tell when they wear out and it’s time get more implanted.”

That timeframe for her is every 8 to 10 weeks.

Nist happily ticked off a list of how the pellets

have helped and affected her: • • • • • • •

A higher energy level Better controlled ADHD More passion/libido in her marriage Better mental health Less anxiety and no more panic attacks Better able to build muscle mass Less hair loss and acne, and no extra facial hair

“I have no side effects to the pellets,” said Nist. “I did try a higher dose that increased my testosterone too much, so I had to change back.”

She laughed as she explained that the temporary testosterone imbalance from the higher dose made her a little too aggressive.

To further explain the remarkable changes Nist described, she said people really need to know and understand what she’s already been through to get to this point.

Throughout her 20s, David Helton, MD, was her OB/GYN. Already suffering from endometriosis, Dr. Helton performed a diagnostic laparoscopy with D&C when Nist was in her late 20s, which helped, but didn’t completely alleviate her pain. By the time her son, Spencer, was born in November of 2014, Dr. Helton had stopped delivering babies, so Amy

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Dodson, DO, took over her pregnancy care and was so high at times. Dr. Couvreur listened to my delivered him at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. every concern and did all she could for me during During her pregnancy with Spencer, now 7, that time.”

Dodson had discovered a small ovarian cyst and At the time of the cesarean section birth of determined that it should be watched. After Adeline at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, the vaginally delivering her son, Nist just never went plan was to remove the cyst after the baby’s delivery. back for a follow-up ultrasound of the cyst – However, due to the large size of the cyst and dense something she later wished she had done. When Dr. scar tissue, they couldn’t safely perform the ovarian Dodson left the practice sometime after her son was portion of the surgery. born, Nist began seeing Dr. Couvreur.

“During Lauren’s post-partum journey, she “I feel like we’ve been was diagnosed with on a journey together. gallstones. It only made Dr. Couvreur has been sense to do a dual surgery with me almost every with general surgery,” step of the way,” said said Dr. Couvreur.

Nist. “She has been Dr. Couvreur and such an advocate for general surgeon Jon me. She even contacted Stanford, MD, with my general practitioner Carrollton Surgical about my blood pressure.

Group, tag-teamed her She pays attention to laparoscopic surgery everything.” in November of 2017, Nist explained that removing the ovarian she was very depressed cyst, the ovary and tube, after the birth of her son as well as her gallbladder and having a lot of pain.

– all in one marathon Thinking her pain was surgical session. stomach-related, she went For a time, she felt Lauren, with her children, Adaline, 4, and Spencer, 7. to see gastroenterologist better. But within a year, Thelma Lucas, MD, with her painful endometriosis West Georgia Gastroenterologists, who didn’t find was back. anything gastro-related to cause the pain she was “Lauren had some abnormal findings on experiencing in her abdomen. ultrasound that prompted another gynecologic Around the same time, Dr. Couvreur began surgery,” said Dr. Couvreur. “I performed that D&C treating her depression with a low dose antiin August of 2018 and a few months later, her depressant, which kept it at bay prior to and hysterectomy.” throughout her pregnancy with her daughter, The hysterectomy was performed with traditional Adaline, now age 4. open surgery through Nist’s cesarean scar.

Early during her second pregnancy, Dr. Couvreur Dr. Couvreur made the decision to leave her discovered an ovarian cyst – likely the same one that remaining ovary, hoping it would produce enough was very small in 2014 – except that it had grown to hormones so that Nist would not need hormone the size of a grapefruit. However, surgery wasn’t an replacement therapy. Nist was finally pain free for option until after her daughter’s birth in August of the first time in a very long time.

2017.

“Her hysterectomy was definitely challenging with “It was a difficult time for Lauren,” said Dr. her prior surgeries, endometriosis and adhesive (scar Couvreur. “She was dealing with normal pregnancy tissue) disease,” said Dr. Couvreur. “But Lauren’s emotions while having incredible cyst pain. We hysterectomy was necessary surgery to improve her actually decided to send her to a high risk obstetrical quality of life.” specialist to help manage the pain and provide For a few months all seemed well, but in guidance on delivery timing and planning.”

December of 2020, Dr. Couvreur found a mass Nist dealt with the pain from the cyst during on Nist’s remaining ovary. Following an MRI that pregnancy the way she always had. couldn’t determine if the mass was cancerous, the “I didn’t know any better than pain. My anxiety decision was made to remove it. The laparoscopic

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surgery was performed in January of 2021. The mass turned out to be a hemorrhagic cyst – basically a blood-filled cyst and thankfully not a cancerous cyst.

Nist had to begin hormone replacement therapy soon afterwards.

“Women have been conditioned. You almost turn a blind eye on your own body,” said Nist. “Dr. Couvreur is a real ally. I truly believe she changed my life.”

The HRT pellets that Dr. Couvreur prescribed are inserted into a small “pocket” created at the back of her hip by a tiny cut. The pellets are slowly absorbed

by Nist’s body over the next eight to 10 weeks. Each time, the “pocket” is rotated to the other hip, and she leaves the appointment with a small bandage.

“Pellet therapy is just one of the hormone replacement therapy options we can provide for our patients,” said Dr. Couvreur. “Based on Lauren’s symptoms and other medical conditions, we both thought HRT pellets were the best treatment plan for her. It’s a low-maintenance, effective therapy for Lauren as she is a busy mom of two. We can also adjust the dosing based on how she’s feeling.”

The pellets contain the amount of estrogen and testosterone that Dr. Couvreur has prescribed for Nist. Since the pellets are available at Tanner

Healthcare for Women in Carrollton, when it’s time for more, Nist simply makes an appointment with Dr. Couvreur via the Tanner MyChart app. Tanner Healthcare for Women makes sure the appropriate hormones and dosing are available for implantation on the day of her visit.

“The hysterectomy and pellets have been great for me,” said Nist. “I have no more pain. I have no side effects and more energy than ever. And I couldn’t have gotten here without Dr. Couvreur’s help and support. I’ve been a ‘hot mess.’ She’s had her hands full with me, but she stepped up to the plate.”

“Lauren is an exceptional woman, mother and wife. She deserves to live a pain-free, balanced life. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to participate in her care, and along the way in her journey, we have become friends,” said Dr. Couvreur.

“Lauren’s story is the epitome of OB/GYN. We take care of women in all stages of their lives from babies to pap smears to surgeries. It is a privilege to do what we do for women’s health.” WGW Learn more about Tanner Women’s Care at www.TannerWomensCare.org. For more information about Tanner Healthcare for Women, visit www.TannerHealthcareForWomen.org.

If you’ve been suffering from gallbladder issues, hemorrhoids or hernias, it’s way past time to do something about it. Tanner’s general surgeons now perform these and other surgeries laparoscopically or with Tanner’s da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical platform, both of which require only three or four small incisions.

Robotic-assisted surgery — available in Carrollton and Villa Rica — means: • Less blood loss • Less pain

• Less scaring • Lower risk of infection

• Return home the same day • Faster return to normal activities

If you’ve been putting off needed surgery, it’s time to transform your life so you can live pain and symptom free.

Learn more about our surgical care options at SurgeryAtTanner.org.

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Know Your Body

New Mom Precious McCoy Listened to Her Body, Survives to Share Her Pregnancy Complication Story By 12 Debbie Bolding

A

fter serious pregnancy-related complications landed Precious McCoy in the hospital in 2019 – two weeks after delivering her second child – she didn’t hesitate to head to Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton’s emergency department (ED) this February when she experienced alarming symptoms just one week after the birth of her third child.

The diagnosis both times was preeclampsia, a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and protein in the urine. Symptoms of McCoy’s first bout included a searing headache that “Tylenol didn’t even touch,” she said. She also noticed her eyesight was failing, including blurriness and black spots – all triggered by the fluid buildup in her body.

Prompt in-patient treatment for five days, including spinal and optic nerve surgeries to remove excess fluid, followed. McCoy recovered physically except for her permanently impaired eyesight; in 2019, she was diagnosed as partially blind with significantly reduced peripheral vision in her left eye.

Thankfully, the outcome was much better with her third pregnancy earlier this year. Due to McCoy’s quick action to seek immediate medical care, a full-blown case of the potentially life-threatening condition was averted. Still, she was hospitalized for three days with spiking blood pressure and fluid buildup in her lungs, making it hard to breathe.

“McCoy is a Success Story” Today, McCoy is doing well and bonding with her newborn son Kyree, as well as enjoying firstborn son Praylen, 6, daughter, Skylar, 2 1/2, and husband, Deangelo. She continues to be monitored by her Tanner Women’s Care team as part of her postpartum care and consults regularly with a neurologist.

Despite her impaired vision, McCoy is a success story: she’s alive to enjoy her family and her life, and to share her story to help other women, said Megan Grilliot, MD, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and a member of McCoy’s care team at Tanner Healthcare for Women.

Dr. Grilliot serves as medical director of obstetrics and gynecology for Tanner Health System and medical operations leader of women’s and children’s services for Tanner.

“Pregnancy, childbirth and those first days with a new baby are so exciting – but can also be very scary. New moms are often so distracted by their newborn’s needs and getting into a new routine – in addition to possibly other children needing attention, too – that they may miss signals that they need care for themselves.

“Precious McCoy is doing well and in a good place because she immediately came to the hospital when she realized what she was experiencing was not normal. She sounded the alarm that she needed help,” said Dr. Grilliot.

What is Maternal Mortality?

Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman during or within 12 months of completing a pregnancy.

In 2019, the most recent year for which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics are available, 754 women were identified as having died of maternal causes in the United States, up from 658 in 2018. That’s a maternal mortality rate of 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births for 2019, up from 17.4 for 2018.

And for Black women, the risk is more than double that, likely related to issues including access to care, quality of care, and the prevalence of chronic diseases including heart disease, implicit racial bias and diabetes, among other factors.

Prenatal and postpartum care is important for healthy moms and babies, but complications can arise for any woman regardless of her care.

“The leading cause of maternal mortality is cardiovascular conditions, and the majority of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period,” said Dr. Grilliot.

The Tanner Women’s Care team works closely with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists on the specialized care for these patients.

Patients delivering by cesarean section (C-section), like McCoy, are also more likely to experience complications, according to Dr. Grilliot.

“This is a surgical procedure, and moms need time to recover. They are at risk for other serious conditions, including blood clots and infection.”

Watch for Red Flags Warning symptoms to watch out for during pregnancy and delivery, up until one year after delivery, include: • • • • • • •

A headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher Trouble breathing Chest pain or a rapid heart rate Severe swelling, redness or pain of the leg or arm Changes in vision Dizziness or fainting

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“My job has purpose. I have support. We make nurses feel welcome here.“ Lacresia Ware, RN Nurse Supervisor Higgins General Hospital

Immediate medical attention should be sought at a hospital emergency department if any of these symptoms occur.

McCoy offers a strong voice of experience for other pregnant or new moms: “If you have any possible symptoms, you need to go to the hospital.

It can turn into something pretty big, pretty fast. It is very important to me that you learn from my story.”

She also stresses the importance of open communication with physicians and other caregivers.

“I am so grateful for the team of Tanner doctors behind me through this experience. I have a very tight relationship with all of them, and we are on the same page when it comes to my care. After the complications with my second pregnancy, I knew I needed to be alert to any symptoms that meant I might be headed for trouble again when my son Kyree was born. My care team understood how concerned I was,” said McCoy. She expresses her appreciation for Amy Goss, MD, the obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Tanner Healthcare for Women, who delivered her son in February by C-section and quickly re-admitted her a week later for monitoring and care for those early signs that she was developing preeclampsia – heading off more serious illness.

Encouraging Better Birth Days #ExperienceTanner Pay and benefits are better than many regional employers — but so is the satisfaction of making a difference.

Experience

welcome.

Everyone on our team is a healthcare professional — from our nurses and doctors to our food services staff. Everyone’s role centers on caring for our neighbors and loved ones. We’re all fully invested in delivering exceptional care to our community.

We’re a local, nonprofit health system serving communities throughout west Georgia and east Alabama. Doing good and changing lives is our job. And it can be your job, too.

careers.tanner.org

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Dr. Grilliot and other members of Tanner Women’s Care have invested significant time and resources in educating all Tanner providers – regardless of their specialty – who may see a pregnant or recentlydelivered mom in a care setting so they can quickly diagnose and refer them for treatment of pregnancyrelated complications.

In addition, a multi-faceted public awareness campaign, “Better Birth Days,” was launched on Mother’s Day 2021 and continues across Tanner’s service area to ensure patients and their loved ones recognize and seek medical attention for these complications. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Learn more at www.tanner.org/betterbirth-days.

“Loved ones supporting a pregnant or new mom are in a good position to pick up on symptoms mom may be ignoring or postponing dealing with in hopes they’ll just go away. The reality is they often won’t, and delay can cost a woman her life. Prompt medical attention is imperative,” said Dr. Grilliot.

“Today, there is much more isolation during pregnancy and postpartum. The birth of a child used to be a more communal event, and women were

surrounded by a very themselves out of this close support system. if they are just strong That has fallen away enough. That’s not the over time. This cultural case. We have services shift has been decades and expertise to help in the making, but the them, but they need to let COVID-19 pandemic someone know that they has exacerbated it. are struggling,” said Dr. This contributes to the Grilliot. physical and mental All women giving birth health conditions we are at the birthing centers at seeing now. Pregnant Tanner Medical Center/ and new moms need Carrollton and Tanner this critical emotional Medical Center/Villa and physical support Rica are screened for for themselves and postpartum depression their babies, in addition while in the hospital and to good prenatal and again at four weeks to postpartum care,” said pick up on symptoms Dr. Grilliot.

Today, McCoy is doing well and bonding with her newborn son consistently and initiate Kyree, as well as enjoying firstborn son Praylen, 6 and daughter, McCoy says she’s appropriate care. been blessed with strong Skylar, 2 1/2. family support, which includes her husband, mom and sister, through all of her pregnancies. They came Financial Barriers to Care together to help care for the newborns and older The cost of prenatal and postpartum care can be a siblings while she was hospitalized and when she barrier for some moms, according to Dr. Grilliot, but returned home and needed support herself. This she’s encouraged to see some improvements already was especially helpful after her daughter was born underway and on the horizon. since McCoy’s vision was still impaired from her “Most women do want to receive good care for preeclampsia. themselves, but when you don’t have insurance Breastfeeding remained a priority for McCoy even coverage, that’s very difficult. Fortunately, coverage with the complications and hospitalizations following is getting better here in Georgia and across the her last two pregnancies. She was able to provide country, although there’s still an opportunity for that important nourishment for her babies thanks improvement. Almost half of the women who give to the support of her family and the clinical team at birth in Georgia every year are on Medicaid,” said Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. She continued to Dr. Grilliot. pump breast milk, which was then sent home to feed In 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid her babies until she was released from the hospital.

Services (CMS) expanded coverage to six months for all moms across the country – an increase from Growing Mental Health, the prior 60-day limit. Now, a Georgia bill has been unanimously passed in the Senate and is on its way Addiction Issues to the Georgia House of Representatives and Gov. Brian Kemp for approval to expand that coverage to Nationwide, providers like Dr. Grilliot also report 12 months after delivery. increased concerns related to mental health – “This has the potential to make a significant anxiety and depression, and addiction among difference in our ability to continue to care for pregnant and new moms – in line with trends in the general population. women during this critical postpartum period,” said “Postpartum depression is a very real and severe Dr. Grilliot. WGW illness. When it’s not diagnosed and managed For more information on how Tanner helps deliver appropriately, it can result in self-harm and suicide. healthy moms and babies, visit www.tanner.org/ A mother taking her own life, and possibly that of better-birth-days. her child, is an absolute tragedy,” said Dr. Grilliot.

Learn more about Tanner Women’s Care at “Women sometimes think they can ‘will’ www.tanner.org/womens-care.

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More Women Find Themselves Juggling Care for Children and Aging Loved Ones

By Tony Montcalm

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I

t was Jan. 20, 2022, and Leanne Puckett was racing to pick up her mother at home.

Her father had been hospitalized days earlier with COVID-19. Early reports from his nurses at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton seemed promising, but things had taken a turn for the worst. The family needed to come to the hospital.

Decisions had to be made.

“Mama was terrified,” she said. “We all were.

We weren’t allowed to see him because he was in isolation, but every time we’d call the hospital, it sounded like he was doing OK. Then he just got worse, real fast. We weren’t prepared for that.”

Together at the hospital, the family agreed her father would go on a vent. It was his only chance.

But the decision had to be made quickly, not only because of the urgency of her father’s declining health, but because it was almost time to pick Puckett’s seventh-grade daughter up from Carrollton Junior High.

About a week later, her father had improved enough to come off the vent, but the virus had wrecked his body and mind. He was sometimes combative, sometimes confused. Someone from the family needed to sit with him around-the-clock.

Puckett faced a grueling routine, dropping her daughter, Marlow, off at school, going to the hospital and sitting with her dad until it was time to pick Marlow up. Wake, car rider line, caregiver, car rider line, repeat.

“The thing was, the rest of life didn’t stop,” said Puckett. “I still had to get Marlow to school. We still had to make lunches and meals; we still had homework. Everything outside of the hospital was going on like usual, and in the hospital, it was like we were just stuck.”

Puckett wasn’t alone in her vigil. Her mother sat with him, too, as did her husband, Ty, and her brother and sister-in-law when they were in town.

It was a small example of an ever more common situation for many women: an obligated parent, and also a dutiful daughter, niece, daughter-in-law or other loved one to an aging person.

Patience, Persistence and Peace Beth Sims gives thanks that she’s as fortunate as she is in caring for her parents and her daughter, Briley.

But somewhere between daily visits to check on her dad with Parkinson’s and stepmother with her own health concerns and keeping up with everything that goes with a child’s senior year of high school,

the Burwell hairdresser looks for ways to take care of herself.

“I love just getting outside, planting flowers and gardening – and I just picked up a few canvasses, so I’m starting to paint again,” said Sims. “And I always have a project going – I’m a fixer.”

Like Puckett, Sims isn’t alone in being a Leanne Puckett is caring for her seventh-grade caregiver. Her daughter, Marlow, and both parents. husband, Bart, is always willing to help when he’s not out of town for work, as is her son. Her brother, too, has been a great help.

When it comes to taking care of her parents, Sims focuses on taking things one day at a time.

“That’s how it is with Parkinson’s,” she said.

“There’s good days and bad days. You never know from one day to the next how he might be. We’re trying to keep him as mobile as possible. Let him enjoy his garden again, that sort of thing.”

A Common Strain The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America survey found a huge share of those in the “sandwich generation,” between 35 to 54 years of age, report feeling more acute levels of stress than other age groups as they balance life between caring for their children and their aging loved ones.

Of that group, women report feeling more stressed and overextended than men – and fewer healthy ways of coping with that stress.

“It’s not surprising – traditionally, women bear a greater load of the caregiving responsibilities,” said Tiffani Fryar, LPC, a licensed professional counselor with Willowbrooke Counseling Center. “Being a parent is stressful. Being a caregiver to an aging person is stressful. Being both is extremely hard.”

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Fryar said it’s vital for women in the sandwich generation to focus on themselves from time to time – which, admittedly, is easier said than done.

“You’re already stretched thin,” said Fryar.

“Imagine the compounded level of stress, though, if anything happens to you. To take care of everyone, you’ve got to keep yourself up, too.”

Distractions like Sims’ painting and gardening are perfect ways to carry the weight of caregiving, Fryar said. For Puckett, the gym and church are her healthy outlets. Both women rely heavily on their faith.

“I’ve had peace, because I know, ultimately it’s all in God’s hands,” said Puckett.

“You have to trust in the Lord,” agreed Sims. “Use lots of self-talk and prayer. Keep telling yourself that good times are coming.”

Fryar also cautions that, when it comes to managing stress, mothers are very often the role models for the rest of their household.

“You set the expectations for how one should respond to stress through your own behaviors,” said

Healthy Strategies for Caregivers The team at Willowbrooke Counseling Center offers advice for “sandwiched” women.

•

•

•

•

•

Set your priorities. It isn’t necessary to do it all, all the time. Delegate as you can, ask for help and learn to let go of the things that aren’t as important.

What are your stressors? Things bother us in different ways. Is it finances that stress you out? A loved one’s health?

Work? Your relationship with your loved ones? Know your triggers so you can see them coming.

Take care of yourself. You can’t help others if you can’t help yourself. Focus on your diet, try to get exercise, keep up with your own doctor’s appointments and screenings – if you don’t do that for yourself, who will do it for them?

Develop healthy ways to cope. Take a walk. Talk to friends. Enjoy a hobby. Talk things through with a partner. Focus on healthy behaviors that make you feel better about yourself and what you’re going through.

Get professional help if you need it. A mental health professional can be an invaluable source of support in helping you work through issues with family dynamics, romantic relationships, grief and more.

Don’t be afraid to get help.

Need help? Find it at www.WillowbrookeAtTanner.org.

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Fryar. “The way you cope will seem a natural way for your children to cope, too. And one day, those kids are going to be taking care of you the way you’re taking care of aging relatives, so remember that healthy coping strategies run in families.”

A Privilege to Care

Beth Sims is caring for both parents and her

daughter, Briley, a senior in high school.

Along with their strong faith, Puckett and Sims also make clear that they don’t consider their role as dual caregivers to be a burden at all.

“I’m so lucky that I’m able to be there for them,” said Sims. “I’m glad to do what I can for them. My dad likes to eat, so I get to cook for him. He’s always been there for us; now I get to be there for them.”

“I consider it an honor,” said Puckett. “I don’t mind doing anything I can for them. The Bible says, ‘honor thy father and thy mother,’ and this is how I can do that.”

Both women try to stop by their parents’ homes daily and often find some little chore or task they can help with.

Puckett’s dad was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 2, and after a brief stay at a rehab facility to help him recover his strength a little, he’s finally home, where Puckett and her family can better help him.

“It’s better to keep up than to catch up,” said Puckett. “It’s easier now that Daddy’s home. Mama is doing all she can, but she needs help. There are doctor’s visits, little chores around the house – but that’s what we’re here for.”

Sims also takes her parents to frequent doctor visits and prepares meals, neither of which she minds.

“I’m glad we live so close,” she said. “It makes it easier to check in on them, to be a help. I like that I can be a help.” WGW

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Tiny Blessings

By Tray Lowery

22

B

irthdays are some of the best days. They usually involve cake, balloons, presents or even a party with family and friends.

But when you celebrate your birthday, you probably don't think of the hospital where you were born – or the doctors and nurses who cared for you.

For Andrea and Scott McLean, the maternity center at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton was one of the first stops on the birthday tour for their newborn son, Jeffery Scott McLean III – or J. Scott, for short – who was born on March 8, 2021. His stay at the hospital’s Sally and John Francis Tanner Neonatal ICU (NICU) – and the doctors and nurses who cared for the family – left an impact that will last a lifetime.

It started on Feb. 25, 2021, when Andrea was 26 weeks pregnant with J. Scott.

"I left work early that day because I was experiencing some fluid retention issues," said Andrea. "We didn't know what was going on and we wanted to get it checked out."

She and Scott immediately drove down from their home in Douglasville to see OB/GYN specialist Christopher Jewell, MD, with Carrollton OB/GYN. "We drove to Carrollton to meet with Dr. Jewell, and he basically told us that we needed to check into the hospital immediately," said Andrea.

"When we got to the hospital, we found out I was four centimeters dilated."

While a typical full-term pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, J. Scott was coming nearly 14 weeks early.

Babies like J. Scott who are born before their due date – or premature babies – often need special care in the NICU until they grow strong enough to go home.

NICUs can be a frightening place for expecting families, but fortunately for Andrea and Scott and many other families across west Georgia, Tanner's NICU is one of the region's best.

"After they admitted us, they began administering medications to help keep J. Scott inside as long as possible – or for at least 48 hours – so the doctor could give him some steroid shots to help with his lungs," said Scott.

The intervention was successful, and J. Scott remained inside. For the next 11 days, Andrea stayed in the maternity unit in the care of her labor and delivery team, which she and Scott said were nothing short of "phenomenal."

"The entire team was great. From the moment

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Andrea was admitted, Edwards to our nurses." the nurses made sure While Tanner's labor that we knew we were in and delivery teams are good hands," said Scott. known for going the On March 8, shortly extra mile for families after Andrea's 11th in the maternity center, day in the hospital, she Andrea and Scott said began experiencing it was how hard the contractions. Shatia team worked to make Edwards, DO, another them feel like family that obstetrics and made all the difference. gynecology specialist "The night J. Scott with Carrollton OB/GYN, was born, a nurse from advised that Andrea the NICU came to tell needed an urgent us that he would be cesarean section to alright," said Scott. "It avoid the risk of further was that reassurance, complications. our faith, prayers and "When I started family that helped us having contractions, it believe that he would be felt like my room filled just fine."

Andrea McLean says Tanner Health System's labor and delivery up with nurses," said At Tanner, Andrea and team's exceptional level of care helped her family through an emergency cesarean section at 27 weeks pregnant and, after the Andrea. "Dr. Edwards Scott learned that they birth, her son, J. Scott's time in the NICU. came in and asked if were never alone. she could pray with us. As soon as she started, the "Mrs. Lisa, one of my nurses, talked me through whole room got quiet, and everyone held hands getting the epidural for my C-section," said Andrea. and prayed with us before they took me back for "She just kept reminding me that everything was surgery." fine. After I delivered J. Scott, they transferred me That night, J. Scott was born, and he spent four to the postpartum area, and even though she was days in the NICU when they learned he had a small working in the labor and delivery unit, she would hole in his intestine that would require surgery. come by my room to visit. That meant a lot to me."

"On our fourth day in the NICU, we learned Scott remembered those visits, too. that J. Scott's belly was swelling, and they needed "There were times when nurses who worked to transport him to Children's Healthcare of in other departments would come from across Atlanta for surgery," said Andrea. "The surgery the hospital to see us. They were awesome. They at Children's went great, but everything was took care of everything, including me," he said. "I moving so fast. Through it all, I'm glad I had such know it's a small thing, but even with food – if they a great team at Tanner. They were all outstanding brought food for Andrea, they brought some for me, – everybody – from the anesthesiologist to the too." surgical prep team to my OB/GYNs and Dr. And the clinical experience was evident as well.

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"We had a lot of seasoned nurses taking care of us," Andrea said. "Some of them told us they had been at Tanner for 30 years. One of my nurses, Mrs. Lisa, was great at setting my IVs. Our other nurses, Missie and Alice, ensured we had everything we needed. They were all so kind and generous. And it was funny because some of them were pregnant just like I was, so it was like they knew what I was going through.

"Even the room we stayed in was nice; it was called the Sunflower Room. One day, Dr. Edwards told me how it's common to feel 'cabin fever' waiting inside the room all day, so she said that I should go for a walk on the walking trail outside the hospital. Our nurse Mrs. Donna came and took me on a walk and we would just sit and talk."

This level of care has become synonymous with Tanner, and it's what Andrea said helped her family through.

On May 28, J. Scott was finally ready to go home, where he would meet his older sister, 5-year-old Ashlynn "Gracie" Grace McLean, who was eager to meet him, too.

"Gracie is a big fan of unicorns and the Disney movie ‘Encanto,’ but the thing she was most excited about is helping take care of her brother," said Andrea.

"She loves her little brother! She helps get his

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J. Scott's older sister, 5-year-old Gracie loves helping her mom take care of her little brother.

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For J. Scott's first birthday, Andrea made a trip to Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton to visit the teams who had cared for them while she was pregnant, and while J. Scott was in the NICU. She made posters for the teams showing them how far J. Scott has come from weighing 2 pounds 9 ounces at birth to almost 20 pounds at his last checkup. Photos provided by Andrea McClean.

bottles ready, gives him his pacifier, and sings to him – she is like a 'little momma' who helps take care of him. And he loves her, too. She was the first one to make him laugh."

Today, Andrea said J. Scott is growing up strong.

For his first birthday, she made a trip to Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton to visit the team who had cared for them while she was pregnant.

"I wanted to go back to share photos of J. Scott

and tell them all how he was doing and how far he's come from weighing 2 pounds 9 ounces at birth to almost 20 pounds at his last checkup," said Andrea.

"He's gotten so big now. He's crawling around, pulling himself up, and he even has a few teeth coming in! It's all been such a blessing, and we have Tanner to thank for the care they gave us." WGW To learn more about maternity care and the NICU services at Tanner, visit www.TannerWomensCare.org.

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Take Heart!

Heart Attack Provides a Wakeup Call and Inspires Lifestyle Changes

By Ronda Faries

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D

uring the second week of May 2021, Leola smoking and Benefield, then 44, was asleep when she gradually “woke straight up” with what she describes increasing as a “terrible pain in between my shoulder blades.” exercise – that The Rapha Clinic of West Georgia (Rapha) is She immediately went to the bathroom and threw he’d already a faith-based, non-profit, ministry The Rapha Clinic of West charitable Georgia (Rapha) is up. And she knew something was very wrong. mentioned serving uninsurednon-profit, adults in West Georgia (Carroll, a faith-based, charitable ministry Douglas, Haralson, Paulding serving uninsured adultsHeard, in Westand Georgia (Carroll, “I called my sister-in-law and asked her to come during their counties).

Volunteer professionals Douglas, Haralson, Heard, and provide Pauldinghigh over and take me to the hospital,” said Benefield, first meeting. quality medical and dental care to those most counties).

Volunteer professionals provide highin need. Inmedical addition to dental the best healthcare, Rapha who instinctively knew she probably shouldn’t drive quality and care to those most in “It has been patients support and guidance need. In receive additionspiritual to the best healthcare, Rapha from her home in Ranburne, Alabama, to Higgins shown that without receive forcing spiritual beliefs. At Rapha,and weguidance believe patients support General Hospital in Bremen, Georgia. physical activity without forcing At Rapha, we believe that good healthbeliefs. is everyone’s responsibility. that good health is everyone’s responsibility.

In the emergency department, hospital staff and nutrition Accepting New Patients Please support us by attending our Annual recognized the signs of a heart attack from her are the Please Support Rapha Please support us byThe attending ourClassic Annual Fundraiser concert, Sound of Medicine on description of the pain that had woken her up. They cornerstones FORE Your Health Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser concert, Sound of Medicine on September 10, 2021 at Mill Town Music Hall Monday, June 13 at Sunset Hills Country Club September 10, atGeorgia’s Mill Town Music Hall did an EKG, which was inconclusive since Benefield spotlighting some of2021 West greatest musical of lifestyle spotlighting some ofDelicious West Georgia’s greatest musical Contests • Food • Golf performers who happen to be in healthcare. was no longer experiencing symptoms by then. But management in performers whoare happen to be into healthcare.

Celebrities expected attend a blood analysis showed that she had indeed had cardiovascular Registration and sponsorship information at a heart attack, so she was sent to the Tanner Heart disease www.RaphaClinic.org or call 620.664.7301 and Vascular Center at Tanner Medical Center/Villa prevention,” Rica by ambulance. said Dr. Jan. “I advised this patient about physical Benefield remembers meeting with cardiologist activity based on the 2019 American College of Mujeeb Jan, MD, who determined that she should Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline have a stent for better blood flow and to prevent on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular another heart attack.

Disease, which recommends working up to at least “Ms. Benefield presented with the classic 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of symptoms of a heart attack,” said Dr. Jan. “The strenuous activity, or some combination of the two, best test was to go ahead with urgent heart each week.” catheterization to find the culprit blockage of her Dr. Jan also recommended that guideline’s diet heart arteries.” based on eating more whole At the Tanner Heart and grains, fruits and vegetables, Vascular Center, interventional while vastly reducing the cardiologist Shazib Khawaja, intake of saturated fat, MD, performed an outpatient processed meat/foods and angioplasty and found that sodium. she did need a stent. Later Benefield left that that same day, she headed appointment with a newfound home in the care of a friend inner drive to make the Derrick Benefield, feeling lifestyle changes Dr. Jan relieved to have a shiny prescribed. new stent – even if all she “I have a 14-year-old, could see and feel was the a 25-year-old and three bandaged small cut where the grandbabies,” said Benefield. catheter had been inserted.

“And I thought, I want to During a follow up watch them grow up.” appointment, Dr. Jan The first thing she did prescribed Brilinta, a medicine was quit smoking – cold that helps to decrease the risk turkey. This was not easy or of a future heart attack and inconsequential for the almost stroke. two-pack-a-day smoker.

He also stressed the “I knew if I didn’t do importance of making the something, I was going to die Afraid of dying young, 44-year-old Leola Benefield lifestyle changes – eating a young,” said Benefield. “So I changed her entire lifestyle after suffering from a much healthier diet, stopping heart attack in 2021. changed my entire lifestyle.”

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In addition to stopping smoking, she began a Dr. Jan-approved diet that included drastically reducing her sodium intake, almost eliminating sugar from her diet, eating only baked or grilled fish and chicken for protein (no beef or pork), and adding exercise to her routine.

“For the first three months, I was only allowed to do 10 minutes of exercise a day,” said Benefield.

“Then Dr. Jan increased it to 30 minutes a day for the next six months.”

She started out just walking to get her heart rate up, under instruction from Dr. Jan to sit down if she experienced any chest pains, take nitroglycerin and head to the nearest hospital. She never needed to.

In fact, Benefield said the hardest thing about the year since her heart attack has been having to watch YouTube videos to help her teen student with math.

“I am not a teacher. I love math the old way, but trying to help my teen with Common Core has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to learn,” said Benefield. “Common Core is so confusing. It made the last year of COVID-19 feel very stressful.”

Now that she is allowed to do 45 minutes of exercise a day, Benefield still does a lot of walking but yoga has also become a passion – not just for the exercise but also to reduce her stress. She

loves that anyone at any fitness level can do yoga and credits it with improving her balance. She uses the “Yoga to Go” app to practice yoga in her own home.

Benefield, who will be 46 in September, has lost 22 pounds and counting since her lifestyle changes.

She is happy with her progress even though she may not make her one-year weight loss goal of 165 by the anniversary of her heart attack. Undiscouraged, she is taking the slow and steady approach and is confident that she will reach her goal at some point in the near future.

What she won’t do is go back to her old eating habits or sedentary lifestyle.

“I plan on doing a lot more of my hobbies and outdoor activities this summer,” said Benefield. “I look forward to fishing and hiking, two things I really enjoy doing.”

And she isn’t alone in her lifestyle change journey.

Benefield is proud that her friend Derrick, who she credits with being a supporter and large contributor to her success in quitting smoking and losing weight, has adopted her dietary changes and has also lost a significant amount of weight. WGW Learn more about Tanner's cardiovascular services at www.TannerHeartCare.org.

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Knowing your risk for cardiovascular disease helps you and your physician devise a plan that can reduce your odds of experiencing a lifethreatening heart attack or stroke.

Tanner offers a simple, fast, non-invasive, low-cost screening called a coronary CT calcium score to detect calcified plaque in your arteries to determine your risk for a heart attack.

Learn more about our $99 coronary CT calcium score at tanner.org/calciumscoring.

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Surviving

Sabrina Fitzgerald Kept Her Focus on Life During Breast Cancer Journey By 32 Debbie Bolding

S

abrina Fitzgerald always liked Tim McGraw’s country music ballad, “Live Like You Were Dying,” but the song really hit home when she received her breast cancer diagnosis a year ago this March – on her birthday.

“Every day really is a blessing, yet we take so much for granted,” said the married mother of two and grandmother of one. “Who is most important in your life? What is most important in your life? I wish we all could focus on the lessons of that song – but without having to go through the life-threatening diagnosis that I faced!”

“Am I dying?” she asked Tanner breast cancer specialist Raul Zunzunegui, MD, of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center on the day they met for her biopsy, a day after her mammogram revealed a likely malignancy.

He replied in an equally direct manner to her question: they would know the next day when her biopsy and scan results were available.

He outlined two possibilities based on his evaluation of her to date. No matter what, she was not alone, and he would be with her through whatever lay ahead.

Dr. Zunzunegui – “Dr. Z” to his staff and patients – and the full Tanner Cancer Care team kept their word through the almost year-long journey that followed for Fitzgerald to treat invasive ductal carcinoma of her left breast, stage 3B. Chemotherapy, mastectomy, hysterectomy, radiation, reconstruction and maintenance medications to prevent a recurrence were to follow.

Today, she is in remission and planning for the future – which includes lots of fun times with her 18-month-old grandson Sullivan, aka “Sully.”

The Tanner Cancer Care Promise The Tanner Cancer Care Promise is Tanner’s commitment to give patients answers – and peace of mind – faster.

Tanner cancer specialists discuss what goes into keeping that promise and how to get the patient started on their cancer journey within three days of receiving a referral.

“The Tanner Cancer Care Promise was fulfilled for me. On a scale of 1 to 10, Tanner Cancer Care and its wonderful people earned a 20 when it came to their care of me,” said Fitzgerald. “From the very beginning and at every key juncture of my journey, they were knowledgeable, credible and very organized, but also kind and caring, empathetic and reassuring. Their confidence inspired my selfconfidence. I needed all of that to feel able to move

forward and confident that I could beat my cancer.”

“I was diagnosed on a Tuesday, got my infusion port inserted on Friday at Tanner Medical Center/ Carrollton outpatient surgery and by the following Wednesday, I was sitting in an infusion chair at the infusion center for my first chemo treatment. And the rest of my journey went just like that,” said Fitzgerald.

‘You Have Cancer’ The three words, “you have cancer,” are overwhelming and scary, said Fitzgerald, who had no family history of breast cancer, took only a daily multivitamin, always worked to stay on top of her annual checkups, kept a healthy weight and had been hospitalized only once – for the delivery of her daughter, Destiny.

She acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a blip in her otherwise solid healthcare compliancy record. She skipped her annual mammogram in 2020 but got right back on track in 2021. Early in 2021, she noticed a lump in her breast near her ribcage and initially took it for a pulled muscle.

“We took a wonderful trip to Cancun, which turned out to be a major blessing with what would unfold afterwards. When we got home from our trip, we got back to the business of life, including getting my mammogram scheduled and that lump evaluated. The date for my mammogram was my birthday,” Fitzgerald said.

A ‘Rock Star’ Team From the radiology technologist who took her mammogram images to every member of the Tanner Cancer Care team Fitzgerald met in the days, weeks and months that followed, she found herself surrounded by a team she admiringly calls “rock stars.”

“My sweet radiology technologist had her game face on that day, especially when she had to come back in for more and more images. She knew it was my birthday, and she didn’t want me to spend it worrying about this lump. I knew right then that I was not alone,” Fitzgerald said.

“The next day, when it was time for my biopsy, Dr. Z explained everything in understandable terms and he took extra time to answer my questions, never rushing. My husband Corey was allowed to accompany me for my biopsy and Dr. Z even turned the screen around so he could see what he was seeing. He also explained the sights and sounds

33

of the biopsy process so both of us would be comfortable,” she added.

As part of the Tanner Cancer Care Promise, each patient is assigned a patient navigator to help them manage their cancer care journey, including scheduling appointments, explaining procedures, detailing potential treatment side effects and answering the myriad of questions that arise during a scary time for most patients.

“My navigator, Nicolle Rooks, RN, always helped me be prepared for what to expect as my treatment process unfolded. I managed my life in 24-hour increments. If today was an infusion day, then that’s what I would deal with today. Tomorrow would be a new day,” said Fitzgerald.

“Nicolle took me through all the details. She called me about every single milestone and what to expect, day by day. Almost to the hour, she was spot on, and she always followed up afterwards to see how I was. She even provided directions for every appointment, including which door, which floor, everything. I needed that. I was never alone.”

Medical oncologist Brad Larson, MD, with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, oversaw Fitzgerald’s chemotherapy treatment plan, which consisted of eight infusions over 16 weeks at the West Georgia Infusion Center on the Tanner Medical

Center/Carrollton campus.

Following those four months of chemotherapy, Dr. Zunzunegui performed a radical mastectomy to remove Fitzgerald’s left breast and lymph nodes.

Three months later, Ryan Davis, MD, of Tanner Healthcare for Women performed a complete hysterectomy at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, ensuring estrogen from her pre-menopausal ovaries would not fuel a reoccurrence.

Radiation oncologist Jason Sanders, MD, of Tanner Radiation Oncology oversaw the radiation component of Fitzgerald’s treatment plan, which included 30 daily radiation treatments at the Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center, also on the Carrollton campus.

During her radiation therapy, Fitzgerald benefited from “deep inspiration breath hold,” a new radiation technique launched last year at Tanner to protect the heart from potentially harmful effects of radiation.

The technique harnesses the natural movement of the lungs and heart during deep breaths to move the heart farther away from the targeted treatment area, reducing exposure. Heart health is even more important now with women living longer after breast cancer treatment.

Once Fitzgerald completed her radiation, she began an oral medication regimen of hormone

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blockers that she will continue for at least five years.

Earlier this year, Stephen Kahler, MD, a cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, performed breast reconstruction surgery for Fitzgerald to help her get back to normal in terms of her body image.

“They were all rock stars, and the entire process was seamless. I always had a phenomenal team on my side. If this was going to happen to me, we were in the best place possible with Tanner,” said Fitzgerald.

“God is bigger than all this. Cancer doesn’t have to win. I have had an amazing opportunity to enjoy and soak up every bit of life and not take one single moment for granted.

I will live life to the fullest and not be in fear of what cancer means.

Life can change in a moment.”

Showing Up for Life and the Fight From the moment of her diagnosis, Fitzgerald was determined that cancer would not dominate her life.

And she credits her Tanner patient navigator, Rooks, for helping her keep that promise to herself.

“I wanted to continue to show up for life because my faith was bigger than my fear. I always wanted God’s glory to shine through this. We all can be easily consumed both mentally and physically by this diagnosis. I have been so blessed by family, friends, Covenant Life Church in Bremen – everyone has been amazing,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald and husband Corey have been married 15 years, “perfectly” blending their families, she said, which includes son Zach, who will graduate from the University of West Georgia this spring, and daughter Destiny and her husband who have 18-month-old Sully. Her parents, David and Jeannie Bryant, and in-laws, Don and Jenny Fitzgerald, all live nearby.

Losing Hair But Keeping a Sense of Humor Corey Fitzgerald operates his own tree removal service and the couple call Fairfield Plantation in Villa Rica home. Ironically, he sported a bald head for years by choice but decided to let his hair grow back a few months before his wife’s cancer diagnosis. Her eventual lack of hair due to chemo became a source of healing humor for them both.

“He has been a gift from God. We never expected that I would be the one with the bald head,” said Sabrina Fitzgerald. “When my hair began thinning about two weeks into my chemo, Corey whipped out a brand-new pair of clippers so he could shave my

head. He kept telling me, ‘baby, you are beautiful, even with a bald head,’ as the wisps of hair fell from the clippers. He kept repeating that over and over, but he was sounding less and less convinced.

Finally, he asked me, ‘did you know you have a birthmark on your head?’ I looked up and saw where the root touch-up product that I had been using during the pandemic had actually stained my scalp. Thankfully, the ‘birthmark’ eventually faded, but we got a good laugh out of it.”

On a couples’ trip to the beach during her journey, she bragged that she would only need 30 minutes to get ready for dinner while the others were heading off a couple of hours ahead to get ready. “Hey, I have trimmed 20 minutes off my getready routine by not having hair.”

“I can be cute, or I can be alive. Right now, I’m going for alive! Hair grows back,” she said.

Even grandson Sully rolled right along with her hair loss.

“I was so nervous that he wouldn’t recognize me, and he did look at me sort of funny the first time he saw me without hair. But then, he rubbed my bald head and laughed, and that was it.”

Looking forward, Sabrina Fitzgerald is intent on helping others face a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Early detection is most important. Don’t miss a mammogram. If you see or feel something, go get it checked. Put faith in our local hospitals. Some friends asked me if I planned to go to Atlanta or elsewhere and get a second opinion. Why would I when I have this excellent support system right here at home?”

She also encourages women to talk about their feelings about a cancer diagnosis.

“Cancer takes you through every single emotion – from being scared to death, to anger, to the sense of the unknown, to being overwhelmed, to sadness and then, the gratitude and the gladness come as you emerge from the other side.”

“God is bigger than all this. Cancer doesn’t have to win. I have had an amazing opportunity to enjoy and soak up every bit of life and not take one single moment for granted. I will live life to the fullest and not be in fear of what cancer means. Life can change in a moment,” Fitzgerald said. WGW For more information about Tanner Cancer Care, visit www.TannerCancerCare.org.

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Hometown Doc

Bringing Women’s Care Home to

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Wedowee

By Tray Lowery

W

ith locations in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Wedowee, Tanner Healthcare for Women is becoming the primary resource for women’s health care across west Georgia and east Alabama.

From routine checkups and preventive screenings “The first day I ever worked on to obstetrics care, the labor and delivery unit, I saw gynecological health, minimally invasive a baby being delivered and it was surgeries and more, one of the best experiences of my the practice brings a life. After that, I fell in love with comprehensive listing of obstetrics and gynecology. I love my women’s care services job and seeing my patients every closer to home for many day – getting to know them and people in the area. understanding their needs.”

In 2021, east Alabama care for people,” said Dr. Shelton, a surgeon and became the newest obstetrics and gynecology specialist who grew frontier for Tanner Healthcare for Women as the up in east Alabama. “My mom, Missie Robertson, practice opened a new location in Wedowee, where was a nurse in the ICU at Tanner Medical Center in patient care is led by two compassionate providers Carrollton. Back then, there were days when I would – Emily Shelton, MD, and Hector Caceres, MD – whose passion for women’s care goes far beyond the play sick at school so that I could go to work with her, even though she knew I wasn’t sick. Watching exam room. her work, I knew then that that’s how I wanted to Since they welcomed their first patients to Tanner help care for my community.”

Healthcare for Women in Wedowee, they have Later, that inspiration would guide her to worked to build stronger relationships with their specialize in women’s care. patients all around the community.

“The first day I ever worked on the labor and However, Dr. Caceres and Dr. Shelton’s roots in delivery unit, I saw a baby being delivered and it health care go back long before they earned their was one of the best experiences of my life,” said medical degrees, and it was through experiences Dr. Shelton. “After that, I fell in love with obstetrics during their childhoods they both realized the and gynecology. I love my job and seeing my impacts they could make in other people’s lives as patients every day – getting to know them and physicians. understanding their needs.”

“Ever since I was a kid, I knew that I wanted to

770.462.5005 37

For Dr. Caceres, the inspiration was similar to his journey into health care.

Born in Guatemala, Dr. Caceres lived his entire life surrounded by health care, dating back a few generations to when his grandfather was a surgeon.

As a child, Dr. Caceres spent much of his time working after school with his father – a cardiothoracic surgeon – at a practice in their hometown.

This experience took his interest in health care into a newfound passion: women’s care.

“When I was a kid, we had a dog that had some puppies, and that’s when I first realized the miracle of giving birth, and I really liked it,” said Dr. Caceres, a surgeon and obstetrics and gynecology specialist. “I’ve always loved my profession. When I was doing my rotations at age 21, I enjoyed obstetrics and gynecology because of the chance to deliver babies, perform surgeries and be a resource for women’s health. That’s why I chose this as my profession and why after more than 11 years, I still enjoy it every day. I don’t do this just for work; it’s something that I truly enjoy. That’s why I take time with my patients and pay attention to them and their concerns – to take care of them holistically.”

“I think the best thing about being a doctor is being able to practice medicine at home in the community that I was raised in,” said Dr. Shelton.

38

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“It allows me to care for my patients well because I understand where they are coming from.”

Dr. Caceres and Dr. Shelton say that two things – family and a sense of community – set Tanner Healthcare for Women apart from other women’s care practices, and it’s their mission to provide personal and compassionate care to every patient who walks through their door.

“We understand that every patient is different,” said Dr. Caceres. “It’s our goal to understand their unique needs while we work to educate them and empower them to make good healthcare “When I was a kid, we had a dog decisions.” that had some puppies, and that’s Like most of the physicians at Tanner when I first realized the miracle of Healthcare for Women, both Dr. Shelton giving birth, and I really liked it. I’ve and Dr. Caceres split their time seeing always loved my profession. When I patients at the practice’s multiple was doing my rotations at age 21, I locations. In addition to Wedowee, Dr. enjoyed obstetrics and gynecology Shelton also practices in Carrollton, and because of the chance to deliver Dr. Caceres also sees patients in Villa Rica. babies, perform surgeries and be a WGW To learn more about Tanner Healthcare resource for women’s health. That’s for Women or schedule an appointment, why I chose this as my profession visit www.TannerHealthcareForWomen. and why after more than 11 years,

I still enjoy it every day. ”

IT'S IT'S TIME TIME FOR FOR

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Time for Your Mammogram?

No appointment? No problem!

Tanner’s making it easy for you to check your annual mammogram screening off your to-do list.

Walk-In Wednesdays Tanner Breast Health | Tanner Health Pavilion | Carrollton 8 a.m. to noon No appointment needed!

The specialists at Tanner Cancer Care recommend a baseline, or first, screening mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 and an annual screening mammogram beginning at the age of 40.

Screening mammograms are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Allow one year, or 366 days, in between screening mammograms for insurance coverage.

Learn more about mammograms at 40TannerBreastHealth.org.