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Article Category: PeopleCare

ScottCare

Published on March 03, 2022

Last updated 01:10 PM March 04, 2024

Photo of Scott Hullihen.

Every day, Scott Hullihen’s gaze falls on a very unique piece of art hanging in his home.

To the untrained eye, the spiraling streaks across the canvas could be mistaken for an abstract painting in a museum. But for Scott, it holds a much deeper, personal meaning: hope for a cancer-free future.

A closer look reveals a puzzling QR code in the corner of the print and, when scanned, it plays the very voicemail from his Wellstar radiation oncologist that got him through the most difficult days in his cancer journey.

“The picture is his voice in soundwaves. I get to see it every day,” said Scott. “It’s the most thoughtful thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

The ebbs and flows of the piece show how he conquered the highs and lows of his difficult rectal cancer diagnosis, with support from Wellstar as the constant through it all.

Just like the highly personalized art print, his expert team of physicians formed a tailored care plan for Scott, right down to his DNA.

Together with his Wellstar team, Scott beat cancer and is back to living life to the fullest.

A surprising diagnosis

Scott was a typical guy in his 30s, working in technology and spending time with friends and family.

“Everything was normal,” he said. “I’d go to sporting events or concerts.”

But his diagnosis of colorectal cancer at just 35 years old was anything but typical.

“That was shocking,” he said.

In 2020, Scott’s stomach started hurting—and it didn’t stop. He started eating better and cut certain ingredients from his diet. He regularly rode his bike for 15 miles.

“I was getting in good shape!” he said.

But the pain continued, with an urgency to use the bathroom, constipation and blood. His doctor referred him to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy in August. Immediately after the procedure, he learned there was a tumor in his colon.

“It was a quiet car ride,” Scott remembered sitting silently next to his mother, who had driven him there.

That Friday, a biopsy confirmed it was cancer. Scott was immediately referred to the Wellstar Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Program, the first and only treatment center in metro Atlanta accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), a quality program by the Commission on Cancer.

Getting the highest level of rectal cancer care

After the weekend, Scott met with Dr. Sahir Shroff, a cancer surgeon.

“People raved about how good a surgeon Dr. Shroff is—I learned he was one of the best in the state,” Scott said. “He saved my life.”

The board-certified and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist reassured Scott.

“This is one of the most subspecialized rectal cancer programs in metro Atlanta,” he said. “Every person with rectal cancer is reviewed at our multidisciplinary meeting to provide the highest level of care.”

Select doctors are designated to stage and treat rectal cancer patients following evidence-based guidelines. The team includes colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and radiologists. Higher experience in treating rectal cancer leads to better outcomes for patients.

Scott also had a nurse navigator coordinate his cancer staging and treatment. Nancy Page answered questions and scheduled important appointments, such as CT scans and MRIs as well as meetings with various specialists.

A licensed Wellstar genetic counselor was also on Scott’s team. Amy Ekwurtzel found that Scott had two genetic abnormalities that make him slightly more susceptible to colorectal cancer. This information gave the team additional clues about the best way to care for Scott.

Don’t be afraid. Make an appointment. It’s uncomfortable to get a colonoscopy, and hopefully, they don’t find anything bad. But get it checked.

- Scott Hullihen

Wellstar Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Listen to Scott's Story

A compassionate call

That Friday, Scott consulted with Dr. Olusola Obayomi-Davies, a radiation oncologist. He also had an MRI of the rectum and CT scans of his chest, abdomen and pelvis at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park to see if the cancer had spread.

Dr. Davies knew stress and anxiety are common for people waiting for test results.

“It was a holiday weekend, and I wanted to tell him as soon as possible so he could enjoy his weekend,” Dr. Davies said.

Before he could drive his truck out of the parking lot, Scott received a voicemail from Dr. Davies who said the cancer didn’t appear to be in other parts of the body—excellent news. “It was the best voicemail I ever got!” Scott remembered. “It was a relief. I could have filled up a bucket I cried so much.”

Chemotherapy, a challenging game-changer

After the team reviewed Scott’s imaging, pathology and colonoscopy results, they staged his cancer and created a personalized treatment plan. A new evidence-based treatment called Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) was recommended, calling for chemotherapy followed by radiation combined with chemotherapy before surgery.

“The benefit of having chemotherapy first is that it shrinks the primary cancer in the rectum and addresses microscopic cancer that we can’t see in the body,” explained Dr. Michael Andrews, Scott’s medical oncologist and chief cancer officer at Wellstar.

Scott received chemotherapy through IV infusion treatments every other week plus continuous infusion. Extreme fatigue, nausea and weight loss made him want to quit. Dr. Andrews was sympathetic but encouraged him to keep going with the goal of a cure. He added IV fluid and steroids to Scott’s infusion treatments to ease the nausea.

Scott felt better and completed his chemotherapy course on December 16, 2020.

“I rang the bell—everyone clapped,” he remembered.

Best of all, a CT scan showed the tumor had shrunk by 80%.

“I couldn’t believe the difference!” he said. “I could go to the bathroom. There was no more pain.”

Did radiation make the tumor disappear?

Scott began external beam radiation therapy, paired with a low-dose chemotherapy pill to optimize the effectiveness of radiation. Dr. Davies used volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to precisely contour radiation targets into unusual shapes while minimizing toxicity.

“Dr. Davies kept it real,” Scott said. “He was cool in the way that he talked to me—not like a doctor, like a friend.”

This time, the CT scan showed that the tumor had disappeared. However, Scott still needed surgery.

“When we finish someone’s treatment, it looks like all the cancer is gone,” Dr. Davies explained. “But there can still be microscopic cancer that doesn’t show up on the scan. Surgery is important.”

Robotic surgery for a long, cancer-free life

In April, it was time for Scott to have complex rectal cancer surgery at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Dr. Shroff guided a da Vinci Surgical System robot to make five small incisions and peer into Scott’s abdomen with magnified cameras. The minimally invasive technology allowed Dr. Shroff to remove part of Scott’s rectum with precision. Two months later, Scott returned to the hospital so Dr. Shroff could reconnect his healed colon.

After surgery, Scott’s pathology found no evidence of cancer anywhere in the colon, rectum or lymph nodes.

“That’s about the best news you can ever give,” said Dr. Davies.

Scott said he couldn’t have gotten this far without his healthcare team—and the overwhelming support of his family.

“After my surgery, I was in the hospital for eight days and my mother was there everyday,” Scott said. “She is a saint and I couldn’t have done it without her. My dad, sister and my brother-in-law would visit often. Without their continued positive support during the entire process, it would have been so much more difficult.”

Advocating for good health

Scott sometimes advises and comforts acquaintances who are newly diagnosed.

“I say trust the process. The doctors and nurses at Wellstar are absolutely amazing—I can’t say enough good things about them,” he said.

He also jokes that he’s “lucky” to have annual colonoscopies. He encourages friends with symptoms to talk to their doctors about symptoms without delay.

“Don’t be afraid,” Scott said. “Make an appointment. It’s uncomfortable to get a colonoscopy, and hopefully, they don’t find anything bad. But get it checked!”

Scott and his girlfriend standing in front of the canvas art piece featuring the call from Dr. Davies.

The gift of a second chance

Today, Scott works in the telecommunications field, is active and spends time with friends and his girlfriend.

On his first chemotherapy completion anniversary, Scott’s girlfriend surprised him with a blue-ribbon cake (the colorectal cancer awareness color) and his unique, personalized piece of artwork.

He unwrapped three canvas art pieces displaying a zig zag and a QR code, which he scanned with his phone. His favorite voicemail—the one from Dr. Davies telling him his cancer was contained—played back.

As for what’s next? Scott’s healthcare team at Wellstar will continue to monitor his health so he can live his longest, fullest life.

“For some reason, I got a second chance, and I’m going to make the best of it,” he promised.

Learn more about the Wellstar Multidisipinary Program for Rectal Cancer—the first and only center in metro Atlanta to have the NAPRC accreditation.

Tags

Sahir Girish Shroff Sachin Goel Olusola Obayomi-Davies
East Cobb Health Park Kennestone Regional Medical Center PeopleCare Cancer Care Digestive Care
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Robert Frederick was living a typical life, going to work and spending time with his mother, siblings and children. But then it became hard to breathe when walking short distances or climbing stairs. He got dizzy. Perhaps most disturbingly, he passed out several times—once at a Braves baseball game he attended with his siblings.

"I didn't know what was going on!" Robert recalled.

Difficulty controlling AFib with medication

After passing out the first time, he went to urgent care and was then taken to the hospital by ambulance. He learned his symptoms were caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat.

Robert began to see Dr. David Caras, a Wellstar general cardiologist, and learned AFib is related to high blood pressure. Successfully managing high blood pressure often helps people keep AFib under control. Despite their efforts, AFib sent Robert to the emergency room two more times.

Suspicion of HCM

Dr. Caras reviewed Robert’s hospital records and found he had increased wall thickness of the left ventricle and a gradient—a pressure difference between the left ventricle and the aorta when the heart pumps. These findings were consistent with a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, this disease makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.

Dr. Caras referred Robert to Dr. Melissa Burroughs, an HCM specialist at Wellstar. As a Center of Excellence designated by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association, Wellstar is one of the leading providers of comprehensive HCM care in Metro Atlanta.

"We have physicians in the group—designated HCM specialists—that are the point person of the patient’s care," Dr. Burroughs explained. “This includes close communication and collaboration with electrophysiologists, surgeons, advanced heart failure specialists, social workers and behavioral health professionals.”

A rare finding leads to Mayo Clinic Care Network collaboration

Robert said, “Dr. Burroughs wanted to do genetic testing to verify that I had HCM."

But genetic testing revealed a rare genetic variant—one not known to be associated with HCM. Dr. Burroughs called it a “diagnostic conundrum.” The genetic variant found was typically associated with a different cardiac disease that Robert did not have. However, he did have clear signs of HCM.

To investigate further, Dr. Burroughs collaborated with other HCM experts through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, of which Wellstar is a member. Mayo Clinic, which is also an HCM Center of Excellence, provided access to its unpublished database, finding Robert’s rare mutation was present in two other family groups with HCM.

“It’s very important that we add to the science—that we include our patients in the registry to enhance what is already known about HCM,” Dr. Burroughs said.

Robert added, “Dr. Burroughs is very persistent. She wanted to know, ‘Why are you having these problems? What’s the root cause?’ She went above and beyond to find that out.”

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Doctor listening to patient's heart with stethoscope

Newsroom

Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center has received several major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar’s cardiothoracic surgery program among the top in the nation. The Marietta-based heart care program received:

  • The coveted three-star rating in the following key areas from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart surgery in the U.S. and Canada. 
  • The prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Wellstar Kennestone was the first in Georgia to receive this certification.

These recognitions demonstrate Wellstar’s commitment to keeping advanced heart care close to home.

“These accomplishments speak volumes about the skill, precision and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said Dr. Richard Myung, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”

Three-star STS rating

STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery. 

“This extraordinary recognition reflects the world-class quality of care offered by Wellstar,” said Lorrie Liang, president of Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Windy Hill. “To achieve this gold standard, a health system must demonstrate both clinical excellence and rigorous standards for follow-up care. At Wellstar, we provide all of this, along with a warm, people-centered experience. It’s what we call ‘PeopleCare.’”

These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.

“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of cardiovascular service line and hospital operations at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”

Among the three-star rankings is CABG. This procedure is commonly performed to treat people having a heart attack or other conditions including coronary heart disease with chest pain, multiple blocked coronary arteries or serious heart failure. The procedure is performed by cardiovascular surgeons at Wellstar Kennestone—Dr. Theresa Luu, Dr. James Burke and Dr. Richard Myung—who work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to give every patient the highest quality care at every step of the process, from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.

“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Wellstar Kennestone,” added Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program Karrie Davis. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”

Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care offers patients care close to home across Georgia communities at more than 25 cardiovascular locations, with more than 110 cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons standing ready to provide heart care for both routine and complex heart conditions. Wellstar also has one of the largest cardiovascular rehabilitation programs in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.

Certification by The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission has also awarded Wellstar Kennestone with a Gold Seal of Approval in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark and certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center for the third consecutive time.

For the certification, Wellstar Kennestone underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evaluating the care of the cardiac patient at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum with ongoing process improvement and health promotion for patients, as well as the community. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

The hospital first received the two-year certification in 2019. This recertification makes the third cycle—or sixth year—it has remained in place. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and remains the only one in the state to hold the comprehensive certification.

From prevention to post-cardiac event recovery, our well-connected and collaborative heart care team is dedicated to empowering you to regain your strength and independence. We offer top-quality cardiovascular care including diagnostics, treatment, psychological support and ongoing monitoring all focused on your well-being. Learn more about award-winning heart care at Wellstar.

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Maria Fernanda Ortiz was a college junior, pursuing a degree in interior design. But at just 26 years old, her life took an unexpected turn. She discovered a lump in her breast, which led to a cancer diagnosis and expert, multidisciplinary care at Wellstar that would shape her professional aspirations in the future. Maria feels her hopeful attitude and compassionate care team at Wellstar helped her come through treatment with positive outcomes.

Feeling heard in healthcare

After Maria discovered a lump, she initially saw a doctor who went through the motions but didn’t seem to take her concerns seriously. 

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She then saw her OB/GYN who referred her to Dr. Laura Pearson, a Wellstar breast surgeon at Wellstar North Fulton Cancer Center, for a second opinion. 

Maria got what she was looking for: a doctor who listened and would help her find answers. 

“Maria is the perfect example of a patient advocating for themselves,” Dr. Pearson said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do for someone her age who finds a lump. When it didn’t go away, she got it looked at. When she didn’t feel like she was being heard, she didn’t let it go.”

 

A surprising cancer diagnosis

Dr. Pearson immediately performed an ultrasound in the office, followed quickly by a biopsy, which came back positive for cancer. 

"The diagnosis was scary," Maria said. “Dr. Pearson made it as simple as possible to understand by making sketches. She took the time to answer my questions—and she gave me hugs.”

Dr. Pearson added, “I try hard to be methodical and build a story: ‘This is what this means. This is how it applies to you.’ It’s important for patients to understand their plan and how it’s based very specifically on their situation.”

Maria was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer, meaning it was a small tumor but had spread to a nearby lymph node. 

“The stage helps us understand how the patient is going to do with standard treatment,” Dr. Pearson explained. “At stage 2A, we’re looking at a 90% survival rate.”

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