WellStar Extends Breast Cancer Outreach Program

Lolly Wildharber, a breast cancer patient, had only one complaint about the treatment book she received through WellStar’s breast cancer outreach program—she didn’t receive it sooner.

"This book is positive from the beginning and feels like a friend is talking to you," Wildharber said in a news release. "The information is excellent. The personal format is just what you need when you receive a breast cancer diagnosis."

More than 400 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at WellStar Kennestone and Windy Hill hospitals receive books each year, thanks to the support of volunteers at those facilities.

Approximately 300 mastectomy patients each year are provided a post-op camisole. These gifts provided through the breast cancer outreach program complement the advanced diagnostic and treatment options and exceptional service that breast cancer patients enjoy at WellStar.

The book, which costs about $20 but is provided to patients for free, offers comprehensive and current information to help women make sound treatment decisions.

Topics in the book include emotional impact, telling children, all treatment modalities, side effects, sexuality/fertility issues, survivorship and more.

“Our outreach program means so much to our patients,” said Lori Hall, RN, breast nurse navigator, in the press release. “I appreciate the Cobb volunteers’ huge undertaking in helping us grow our program.”

To launch the funding of the program, the WellStar Cobb Hospital Auxiliary is selling Love Light Tree ornaments through Dec. 22. Ornaments, to honor or remember a loved one, can be purchased in six amounts ($5 to $100).

To purchase an ornament, visit the WellStar Cents Room at WellStar Cobb Hospital: Monday 7 to 9 a.m., Tuesday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday 3 to 5 p.m., Friday 9 to 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.