SandyCare

Fighting breast cancer & forming lasting friendships

Published on October 26, 2021

Last updated 01:21 PM August 22, 2023

Sandy and Kellie sitting on a bench, and text "SandyCare".

The roots Sandy Kaecher has built in Paulding run deep.

When she moved to Dallas, Georgia over a decade ago, Sandy wanted to make a real difference in her adopted hometown. From countless hours of volunteering to serving on the county commission, she has been a pillar in the community from the beginning.

In 2014, she even attended Wellstar Paulding Medical Center’s groundbreaking ceremony, eager for the area to have easy access to world-class healthcare. However, she never expected to battle breast cancer at the same facility years later.

During her fight, Sandy partnered with an entire team of cancer experts, right here in her beloved community. She also found comfort and strength in a new bond with Wellstar Nurse Navigator Kellie Mitchell, who was by Sandy’s side through her toughest moments.

Every step of her cancer journey, Sandy got unending support from Wellstar—and even a true, lasting friendship, too.

Catching cancer early

In 2018, while Sandy was gearing up to run in the local election as the first female Paulding County Commissioner, she wasn’t aware that her body was already fighting a battle of its own.

Sandy noticed dimpling on one of her breasts, and knew something wasn’t right.

The distinctive dimpling that Sandy experienced is one warning sign women can watch for between their annual mammograms. During a breast self-exam, women can use their eyes and hands to inspect their breasts for new or concerning changes.

Abnormalities may include a new lump, swelling or thickening of the tissue, red or flaky skin, pulling in or pain in the nipple area and change in size or shape of the breasts.

Breast self-exams are an important way women can stay in tune with their bodies. However, at-home checks are not a substitute for getting a mammogram done by an imaging expert. These screenings are crucial to catch what the naked eye can’t see and detect health issues, such as breast cancer, in its early stages.

That’s why Sandy brought her concerns to her primary care physician right away.

It wasn’t long before she was connected with the cancer team at Wellstar Paulding. There, she received a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound to discover what was the underlying cause of the dimpling.

The advanced imaging technology flagged abnormal results. Her care team got an even better picture of what was going on inside her body after a biopsy.

The results were clear: Sandy was dealing with a complex case of breast cancer. Based on the high-tech images, the cancer had woven in and out of the breast tissue, making it more complicated to treat.

With her expert Wellstar cancer team ready to battle beside her, Sandy summoned her fiery spirit and prepared for the fight.

Make sure to see your doctor and get screened. And, if you are diagnosed with cancer, keep fighting and keep going.

- Sandy Kaecher

Wellstar Breast Cancer Survivor

Friends join the battle

A breast surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist all worked together to create a personalized treatment plan. For Sandy, this included a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy treatments and radiation therapy.

From the start, Sandy relied on the power of optimism to help her through the ups and downs.

“After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had to change my outlook very quickly. I shifted my perspective to stay positive,” Sandy said. “Even when I found out I would be losing both of my breasts, I chose to focus on what I would be gaining instead—like getting my health back.”

Still, balancing surgeries and treatments can be overwhelming. At Wellstar, cancer patients have access to a ready resource to help them through the journey: oncology nurse navigators.

Wellstar oncology nurse navigators (ONN) bring highly personalized care, knowledge and support to each cancer patient and their families. Whether it is understanding a difficult diagnosis, working through treatments or just lending a listening ear, ONNs are there every step of the journey.

Sandy found much-needed help and guidance from Wellstar Oncology Nurse Navigator Kellie Mitchell.

For Kellie, being an oncology nurse navigator is more than a job. It’s her calling.

“I am a patient’s touchstone during a whirlwind of medical care,” Kellie explained. “For patients facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis, I am there from the start. I meet them after they have an abnormal mammogram or ultrasound.”

“If their biopsy results are positive for cancer, I provide education on their diagnosis, emotional support, can help obtain financial assistance and coordinate care with other providers,” Kellie said. “I even see the patients at their doctor’s visits to help decrease their anxiety and voice any concerns.”

From diagnosis to treatment and all the way through recovery, Kellie was there for Sandy through it all. Partnering together, the pair formed a friendship to face cancer with confidence.

An unbreakable bond

Sandy and her Oncology Nurse Navigator, Kellie, built a strong camaraderie as they teamed up to battle breast cancer.

“Kellie never left my side,” Sandy said, recalling her nurse’s unyielding support.

Wellstar understands how critical nurse navigation can be to a patient’s cancer journey, and it made all the difference for Sandy.

“Wellstar Health System provides optimal care in our community,” Kellie said, sharing the importance of her role. “With nurse navigators also in place, it helps smooth transitions, decrease patient worry and improve patient satisfaction.”

Because ONNs specialize and only focus on cancer, Kellie provides the highest level of care possible and is always looking for opportunities to increase her knowledge.

“I go to many seminars and educational opportunities to stay up-to-date with the most current and best practices in oncological care,” Kellie said.

Her dedication to being up-to-date with the latest education and information about cancer care helps her efficiently and effectively guide patients like Sandy throughout the process.

Kellie accompanied Sandy to many of her appointments, including when she was receiving radiation treatment. All the nurses who cared for Sandy left an impression, and always went above and beyond to support her.

“All of my Wellstar nurses were full of joy and energy,” Sandy shared. “If you weren’t happy when you walked in the room, they would make you feel happy by the time you left.”

All the while, Sandy stayed strong and true to her positive nature. Even as she battled breast cancer, she never gave up her dream to help her community.

While being treated, Sandy wanted to remain a contender in the election for the Paulding County Board of Commissioners, and got the OK from her physicians to stay on the ballot.

After the votes came in, Sandy was declared the winner. And, with her Wellstar team by her side, she won her health battle against breast cancer too.

Currently in remission with no signs of the disease returning, Sandy is stepping up and raising awareness about breast cancer.

“Now as a survivor, Sandy has made it her mission to pay it forward,” Kellie said about her friend’s work. “I will always love and admire her for her personal strength.”

“I give back everywhere I can,” Sandy said. “I want to do what I can to help others in the community.”

Her positivity and faith have carried her through tough times throughout her diagnosis. Sandy encouraged others who may be facing a similar situation to always have hope no matter what.

“Make sure to see your doctor and get screened,” Sandy said, urging other women to protect their health. “And, if you are diagnosed with cancer, keep fighting and keep going.”

Moving forward, Sandy will never forget the care and friendship she found at Wellstar.

“Even though I went through one of the hardest situations, I had the best care team in the world alongside me.”

Evaluating your lung cancer risk

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has revised lung screening guidelines. You may qualify for screening if you are 50 to 80 years old and smoked for 20 years. If you are a former smoker, you may qualify if you quit less than 15 years ago.

“Those who are current or past smokers of cigarettes are more likely to develop lung cancer,” Dr. Fortes said. “However, while smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, a large number of lung cancer patients have never smoked—1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men diagnosed with lung cancer were never smokers.”

You may also be at increased risk of developing lung cancer if you have been exposed to radon, asbestos or other agents such as uranium or arsenic, according to the American Cancer Society. Previous radiation therapy in the lung area, such as chest radiation for breast cancer treatment, can also increase risk. Additionally, be sure to discuss your family history with your provider—siblings and children of people who have had lung cancer may have a higher risk of developing it.

Screening for lung cancer is not a one-time test, but a process that involves a periodic evaluation of your lungs over time to look for newly emerging cancer. CT scans can detect nodules that are compared over time for changes in size.

“For those who are at high risk for lung cancer, it is best to have nodules and lung health evaluated by a team of physicians specializing in lung cancer care so the appropriate decision can be made of continued observation versus the need for early intervention,” Dr. Fortes said.

Depending on the findings, some patients may have more or fewer exams. If findings are suspicious for lung cancer, your care team will contact you to discuss your screening results.

How do I schedule a screening?

An order from your physician is required to get a screening. Contact your primary care team or a pulmonologist to talk about screening and when it may be right for you. Once an order has been obtained from your physician, call (470) 793-4AIR (4247) to schedule your appointment.

What if my scan shows a lung nodule?

Your care team will support you at every step of the screening process. If you have any questions about your results or your screening plan, contact your provider over the phone or using the secure messaging feature in MyChart. You can also call our cancer care team at (877) 366-6032 to learn about our care options.

All lung screenings are initially interpreted by a radiologist. A team of physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer will review findings that are suspicious for cancer. Once the physicians complete their review of your images, your results are posted within three to five days to your MyChart account. Results will be communicated with you and your physician via MyChart or mail within one week.

If a lung cancer is suspected, our team will call you to answer your questions and arrange next steps. You will then meet with a physician specializing in lung cancer treatment.

Patients whose screening shows a lung nodule may feel concerned. However, you should not be overly concerned if your report indicates you have small lung nodules. Most people who meet eligibility for screening will have some. Nodules are very common—at least 50% of people have them by the time they are 50 years old.

Learn more at wellstar.org/lungcancer.

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Illustration of provider inspecting lung

Highlights

Wellstar Offers Saturday Hours for Lung Cancer Screening Day November 8

Lung cancer screening can detect cancer earlier, before symptoms show up. Earlier-stage cancers are more easily treatable and more frequently cured, so if you are at increased risk of developing lung cancer, you could benefit from regular low-dose CT scans to monitor your lung health. To expand access to these vital screenings, Wellstar will offer screenings at several imaging locations Saturday, November 8.

Wellstar is partnering with the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable, the American College of Radiology, the Radiology Health Equity Coalition, and GO2 for Lung Cancer to celebrate National Lung Cancer Screening Day Saturday, November 8. While lung scans are always available at Wellstar’s conveniently located imaging centers during regular business hours, offering these Saturday hours will help patients fit screenings into their schedules.

Ask your care team about whether you meet the criteria for screening, or call us to learn more about qualifying and to make an appointment for a scan.Call us at (470) 793-4AIR (4247) to learn more and make an appointment for a scan.

The following Wellstar imaging locations will be open Saturday, November 8:

Wellstar Imaging at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park, 3747 Roswell Road, Suite 102 in Marietta
Wellstar Imaging Services, 60 Lacy St. in Marietta
Wellstar Imaging Services, 1220 West Wheeler Parkway in Augusta
Wellstar Imaging Services at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, 1625 Hospital North Drive in Austell
Wellstar Imaging at Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, 8954 Hospital Drive in Douglasville
Wellstar Imaging at Wellstar Vinings Health Park, 4441 Atlanta Road SE, Suite 101 in Smyrna
Wellstar Imaging at Wellstar Windy Hill, 2540 Windy Hill Rd SE in Marietta
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Imaging, 1514 Vernon Road in LaGrange

In addition to these special hours November 8, low-dose CT lung scans are available at several Wellstar imaging locations.

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Close up of man’s hands working on vehicle engine.

PeopleCare

BillyCare

William “Billy” Gerace, a retired man in Mableton, found himself progressively restricted by severe emphysema. Dependent on oxygen, it was tough to find the breath and the energy to work in his garage. Then he found out about BLVR, a procedure that would change his lungs—and his life—for the better. Now he spends his days breathing new life into classic cars. Billy’s story highlights the power of expert care and leading-edge treatments at Wellstar, and our commitment to help people get back to doing what they love.

Slowed down by an oxygen tank

For Billy, the simplest of movements became Herculean tasks. The man who loved tinkering in his garage found himself slowed down by an oxygen tank and dependent on his wife, Patty, to help him move it from room to room.

“I couldn’t walk 20 feet without the hose on my nose,” Billy said. “I couldn’t go from the living room to the kitchen without oxygen. That’s how bad it was.”

Billy suffered from emphysema, a severe type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inability to work in his garage on his collection of vehicles—including a '69 Corvette convertible—was heartbreaking.

“I’d have to do five minutes’ worth of work—then catch my breath,” he remembered. “It took me a very long time to do anything. A project that would normally take an hour took two days. I had to sit dormant most of the time.”

Billy had managed this condition for years with prescription medication and pulmonary rehabilitation, but in the final months leading to his procedure, he had the impression that his life was fading with every gasp of air.

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SandyCare