Cancer Care Never Stops at Northeast Georgia Medical Center
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hyllis Wiley, grandmother of 4 and long-time Gainesville resident, wasn’t sure what to expect when news began to spread of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses began closing temporarily, and soon, Governor Kemp was urging the community to take necessary precautions, such as staying home and only going out for essential items or services. But what did this mean for Phyllis, who was in the thick of treatment for stage 3 lung cancer? “Cancer is relentless. It doesn’t stop, even for a pandemic,” says Charles Nash, MD, medical director of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) Cancer Services. “But so are we,” he adds. “Our cancer team at Northeast Georgia Medical Center never stops fighting.” Thanks to NGMC’s continual adjustments and increased safety precautions, patients like Phyllis are still able to receive quality cancer care. In fact, Phyllis recently completed her 30th radiation therapy treatment. She celebrated – COVID-19-style – by ringing a bronze bell adorning the wall of the radiation therapy suite at NGMC Gainesville, with her mask on and husband Loyal six feet away. And what a celebration it was. “At NGMC, we’re constantly evolving the way we care for our cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Jayme Carrico, executive director of NGMC’s Cancer Services. “What hasn’t changed, however, is our commitment to providing the safest, highest quality cancer care to our patients. We want you to know that we’re working tirelessly to keep our community safe so you can receive the advanced treatment you need.” In addition to the increased safety precautions, cancer patients at NGMC also benefit from: 2 6 GENERATION S MAGAZINE
Experience: At NGMC, we treat almost 3,000 new cancer patients each year, so you can trust our ability to treat your cancer. Convenience: We offer access to cancer treatment in four convenient locations – NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton, NGMC Barrow and the Toccoa Cancer Center – so our patients never have to worry about traveling far from home to receive quality cancer care. National Clinical Trials: Through our network affiliation with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, patients have access to more than 275 existing therapeutic clinical trials and research projects led by some of the top clinical investigators in the country. Collaboration: Physicians across multiple specialties within NGMC combine their expertise to determine the best treatment plan specifically for you. Additionally, as an affiliate of the Winship Cancer Network, our physicians and patients benefit from direct access to Winship's tumor boards and multidisciplinary cancer team meetings for even more collaboration in cancer care. Personal Support: Our patient navigation program provides clinical, emotional and financial guidance and support throughout your cancer journey. Advanced Treatment Options: Patients have access to the latest screening and treatment options including 3D mammography, lowdose CT scans for lung cancer screening, state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques, advanced chemotherapy, gynecologic oncology, robotic and minimally invasive surgery and many additional therapies, including biologic, hormone and prostate seed implant.
