Hey there Georgia Girls

Hi all,

 I just wanted to chime in here to say that I also went to NW GA oncology at Kennestone Hospital and have nothing but the best things to say about my experience there.  Granted, I finished chemo two years ago, but of course, still have appts every six months.  My doc, Dr. Hahm is the BEST!  My very first consult meeting with her was the Friday before Labor Day weekend in 2008 and my appt was at 3:00.  She sat with my husband and me answering questions until almost 6:00!  I felt she would have stayed all night if needed. 

Hope everyone finds a dr that they like as much as mine!

Hugs, Kathy

We have moved to Piedmont - the Cancer Wellness Center is simply awesome and the staff at Dr. Ballrd's office are the warmest, most caring ever, typical of our experience at Piedmont were the surgeon, his nurse and the lymphodema therapist all gave my daughter their cell phone numbers and encouraged her to call with any concerns. The chemo edu was done by the clinic coordinator and we were not put in a storage room with piles of stuff, two chairs and a video. At NW we had one rather curt and rude RN who seemed very preoccupied. The staff all interatced with my daughter on a personal and reassuring basis and the chemo room is not crowded with chairs all lined up and close together .

And this is not a snow storm problem - communication problems started 2 days before the 1st chemo was to take place. Then, after the experience with the CT scan and the horrible fear than the cancer had gone from IIa to mets to the lung, that did it. First, one part of the discussed tests was not ordered when we got to the Imaging  office. Before leaving the CT office, I verified that the results would be on the portal the next day - all available on computer before the storm and after the storm, but we didn't received any info for days until my daughter called the hotline. When Dr Hahm returned the call and left a message, she said nothing about the scan as if she had no clue why we were calling. Messages  just don't seem to get relayed correctly. She had promised to phone with the results ASAP. This was the last straw for us Although I respect her crudentials and liked her as a person, we left feeling that my daughter was just another number on a medical file.

I can tell you our past experience with Kennestone Hospital was not a good one and several of my Senior freinds have similar stories. When my Mom was in for SCL cancer the aides spoke such poor English that one tried to give me a cup of coffee when I was tring to tell her my mother's bowels were impacted. If they are that bad in a minor situation, how can they be trusted to respond in an emergency? Kennestone needs to send someone to Piedmont ans see the difference in the way patients are treated. If you even look slightly lost in the hallways, a staff person stops and offers help. They really understand the importance of treating the whole person.

Motherofpatient:

I am so happy to hear you went back to Piedmont and that you feel you are in good hands.  That is all that matters.  Like the saying - one man's honey is another man's vinegar - and that is so very true.  While I feel confident and have been very satisfied with NGOC, I can promise you that if what happened to you and your child happened to me, I'd be gone like the wind.  You did the right thing for the two of you.  I have nothing done at Kennestone, any surgery,etc. I had or might need in the future, I will go back to Northside.  I know exactly what you are saying - hence the reason all my daughter's doctors are at Emory and anytime she's hospitalized, it's all the way over there, but peace of mind knows no mileage.  I did have to go to Kennestone with my febrile neutropenia, but I was on the cancer floor and got excellent care (thank God!).

Please keep us posted on your daughter, I wish you both only the best.

Hugs,

Linda

Hello all,

 I'm here in Atlanta as well. Emory/Druid Hills area. I went to Piedmont with Dr. Barbara and oncologist is in Dr. Ballard's office but couldn't get him as he was too busy. Dr. Meinberg if I have spelled his name correctly. Wow, had no idea so many of us here in Ga. 

LRM216 - glad you got good care on the cancer floor but that was where my mother was when the nurse aide tried to give me coffee when I was trying to report impacted bowels. Kennestone needs to hire people who have a good command of English and stop importing cheap foreign labor.

does anyone know of a group for women who have had a mast?  I've been to Turning Point (awesome place) for PT and seen the counselor.  I am having a hard time accepting and moving past my surgery.  It seems crazy to me that we undergo this life changing surgery and just sent on our way..  I cannot be the only woman who has had a hard time with this.  I did do recon but you know, it's not the same. I would think it would be helpful to talk to other women who have been through the same thing. I am in N Ga (Cumming).

Irr4993

I think it's for anyone. I attended art tehrapy with my daughter. I hadn't intended to but the therapist insisted. All we did was list our name, address and doctor on a sheet of paper and then sign in each session. I think it is all so new that they are glad to have people using it. It's on the 7th floor and across from the infusion room. They also validate paarking for each visit so it is free.

 I did call yesterday, MLK Day, and the director did return my call a few hours later. We are going to use the library for the post chemo two hours of cold caps before we attempt I-75 at rush hour on Thurs, first chemo day.

MOP, thanks for the private message but yes, I can and did read your posts above. Anyhow, every practice/ every hospital has someone that one can find that had a bad experience  and I'm really sorry that had to be you with this practice and with Kennestone. As for me, as I said above, I believe both Piedmont and Kennstone are highly qualified facilities; I'm happy to have Kennestone in my own backyard and I'm very pleased with the service and care I've received from NW GA Oncolgy. You are happier with Piedmont and a different Oncology office, that works for you and that's fine. I wish your daugher only the best, good luck to her...this sucks for any of us in this club.