Patient Stories
Genelda Reese
Genelda Reese was holding a ticket for a long awaited European river cruise, and she wasn’t about to let anything — including breast cancer — keep her from that departure. Although she worked in the healthcare industry, she hadn’t gotten regular mammograms. So, when East Georgia Regional Medical Center was installing new digital mammography technology, she volunteered to help test the new equipment. That’s when they discovered a lump.
Dr. Jean-Claude Schwartz recommended chemo first, then surgery. The chemo did an even better job than he had expected. Thanks to East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Genelda was able to get quality care and treatment right here at home.
“I was totally satisfied, and so thankful that Dr. Schwartz had decided to settle in Statesboro,” she said. “I liked him and the concern he had for me. He took extra time to clarify things.”
When the first wisps of hair fell out, Genelda went to her hairdresser and told her to buzz all her hair off. During treatment, she remodeled her home. She was already eating well—Genelda was the director of nutritional services at East Georgia Regional Medical Center for more than 44 years. At a recent family reunion, she realized that four of her 25 guests were breast cancer survivors. During the event, she handed down her wig to her cousin, who had just started treatment. Today, she’s retired. She’s taken another cruise—this time to Russia. She’s very grateful for Dr. Schwartz and everyone at East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
“I had everything I needed right here,” she said.