St. Joseph's/Candler

Jo Frayler’s cancer journey began 20 years ago. She was just 48 when diagnosed with breast cancer. After a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, she thought it was behind her. Then in 2014, cancer cells were discovered in her pectoral muscle. Jo had the muscle removed and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “Then, unfortunately, at the beginning of this year, we found it was metastatic and in my bones," Jo said. "To hear it was metastatic – I was shocked. I was angry. It immediately set me into a downward spiral. But I have a daughter, and I have to stay positive for her.” For breast cancer survivors like Jo, who has already faced mastectomy, chemo, and radiation over a 20-year journey, the idea of a new, less toxic treatment is a massive relief. Jo is enrolled in the groundbreaking ASCO CDK4/6 Inhibitor Dosing Knowledge Study (CDK), offered right here at St. Joseph’s/Candler—one of only 13 facilities in the country. This isn't about placebos. It's about figuring out if a lower starting dose of the approved drug, IBRANCE, can help patients tolerate the medication better and stay on it longer. Jo's experience is overwhelmingly positive: ✅ Significant lesion reduction ✅ Minimal side effects ✅ No pain "You can’t live in a negative state all the time. If you do so, then you are not enjoying the time that you are here," Jo says. 👉 She's proof that new-generation treatments are making it possible to fight cancer and still enjoy life. If you're interested in innovative, quality-of-life-focused breast cancer care, learn more about the research happening at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Find out more about how clinical trials are changing the face of cancer care at https://lnkd.in/etnY4SUc

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, you might be feeling more than just the usual chill. Are you experiencing a noticeable shift in your mood and energy that seems to happen every year when winter rolls around? You may have heard of SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a real form of depression that affects millions, and it’s specifically tied to cyclical, seasonal changes. "Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of an underlying depression disorder... With this condition, a patient’s depressive symptoms demonstrably follow a cyclical, seasonal pattern each year," explains Dr. Russell Lake, a family medicine physician with St. Joseph’s/Candler Primary Care in Richmond Hill. 🤔 Do Any of These Symptoms Sound Familiar? If you notice a consistent, yearly pattern of these symptoms in the winter, it may be time to investigate: 💠Low energy/feeling sluggish 💠Significant changes in sleep (too much or not enough) 💠Increased appetite, especially for carbs, or decreased appetite 💠Withdrawal, isolation, or "hibernating" 💠Feelings of hopelessness or guilt 🩺 What You Can Do Next: SAD is treatable. Dr. Lake uses screening tools to help diagnose the condition and recommend options. Click the link in the bio to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eNWT893R #seasonalaffectivedisorder #depression #primarycare #mentalhealth #richmondhillga

Mamas-to-be have enough on on their minds without worrying about a complicated diet list. If you plan to breastfeed, here's the good news: you don't need to follow rigid, specific diet requirements. According to certified lactation consultant and nurse Shanna James from Telfair BirthPlace, the key is simply eating a well-rounded, balanced diet. Skip the fast food marathon and focus on nourishing your body. Breastfeeding burns tons of energy—seriously, James compares it to running a marathon! Here are her simple tips for keeping your body fueled and hydrated: 💠Eat to Hunger, Drink to Thirst: Listen to your body. 💠Top Picks: Incorporate oatmeal, flax seeds, and lean proteins. 💠Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water! Coconut water is a great extra boost. 💠Rest Up! Getting adequate rest is just as important as your diet. 💠Take Your Prenatal: Continue taking your daily prenatal vitamin for extra nutrients. ❌ A Word on Calories: Now is NOT the time to cut calories. To support milk production, aim for 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day, depending on your activity level. ☕ Caffeine, Alcohol, and Spicy Food—What’s Okay? 🍷 You don't have to give up everything! It’s all about moderation and planning: 👉Caffeine: Aim for less than 300 mg per day. (About 2-3 standard cups of coffee). 👉Alcohol: Stick to one drink per day, and wait 2-3 hours before breastfeeding. BIG RULE: If you feel "warm and fuzzy" or wouldn't be able to drive, do not breastfeed. 👉Spicy Food: Your body is amazing at filtering things out! Spicy food won't make your milk spicy. However, if you notice your baby is irritable or has an upset tummy after you eat something, it might be worth cutting back on that food. "Breastfeeding isn’t about giving up X, Y and Z. You can still do all those things, you just have to plan for it," says James. James highly recommends taking a breastfeeding education class before the baby arrives. It gives you a great baseline knowledge of what to expect and sets you up for success! Learn more and sign up for the Telfair BirthPlace’s monthly breastfeeding education class here: https://lnkd.in/etFwswWW #breastfeeding #lactationconsultant #womenshospital #savannahga #breastisbest

Even if you handle an illness like the flu or COVID fine, you could pass it to a friend or family member who might get severely ill. A healthy immune system is a gift to your community. Your immune system is your body's defense and repair network, constantly fighting off germs, bacteria, and viruses. Give it the support it needs with these key steps: 🧼 Wash Your Hands: This is the #1 defense against spreading illness! Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to limit infection exposure to your nose and mouth. 💉 Get Vaccinated: Vaccines protect you and create a safer circle around vulnerable loved ones. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Talk to your doctor about other recommended vaccines. 🍎 Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits and vegetables (especially high in Vitamin C and antioxidants!), whole grains, and lean proteins. 📉 Decrease Stress: High stress impacts your immune response. Find time for activities that help you relax—music, hobbies, exercise, or meditation. 😴 Get Enough Sleep: Your body repairs itself during sleep. Adults need 7-8 hours, teens need closer to 10. Prioritize good sleep hygiene. 🏃 Exercise Regularly: Improved circulation and blood flow keeps your immune system working properly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity per week. 🛑 Stop Smoking: Smoking severely burdens your immune system, forcing it to focus on damage repair instead of fighting off new infections. 🍬 Limit Sugar: Too much sugar makes it harder for your immune system to fight off infection effectively. 🍳 Properly Prepare Foods: Wash produce, cook meat thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination, especially with raw meat. 💊 Be Aware of Medications: Some medicines suppress the immune system. If this applies to you, simply be extra diligent with all the protective measures above! (Never stop medication without talking to your doctor first.) Caring for your health is an act of love for your family and friends. Which of these tips will you focus on this week? #ImmuneHealth #FluSeason #ProtectYourLovedOnes #HealthTips

We know that simply thinking about a gynecological cancer diagnosis—whether cervical, endometrial, or vaginal—is scary. But at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, we don’t just treat cancer; we use precision technology to protect your future. If a diagnosis happens, we are ready with a variety of treatment options, include high-dose rate brachytherapy. It sounds complex, but it is actually a minimally invasive treatment designed to get you back to your life faster. ✅ It’s Fast: The radioactive source is smaller than a grain of rice and is placed for just 3–15 minutes. ✅ It’s Precise: We use MRI and CAT scans to target only the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. ✅ It’s Outpatient: In most cases, you go home the same day. No hospital stays. Most importantly, it works. “It has shown to improve overall survival… The chances of the cancer all going away go down significantly [without it],” says Radiation Oncologist Dr. Joshua McKenzie. Dr. McKenzie has utilized brachytherapy for gynecological cancer patients the entire 10+ years he’s been with the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. That averages to about 100 to 150 gynecological cancer patients each year who receive this specialized treatment, making the LCRP the largest volume and most experienced center for GYN brachytherapy treatment in the region. Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from getting checked. We are here with the advanced options you need. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ebyBVHcN #radiationoncology #oncology #cancercenter #savannahga #radiationoncologist

Does a sudden sneeze, a light jog, or a deep belly laugh with friends catch you off guard these days? If you’ve been noticing leaks more often, we want you to know two things: 1) You are absolutely not alone. 2) You don’t just have to "live with it." As Carol Barbee, our Nurse Practitioner, says, "Pelvic floor complaints and concerns are highly personal. It takes a lot to go to your doctor and say, ‘I’m having this problem.’" We understand the hesitation, but we also know the relief that comes with treatment. At the Pelvic Floor & Continence Center, we specialize in helping women regain control and confidence through diagnosis and personalized therapy. Ready to stop worrying and start living fully again? Talk to your physician about a referral, or request one directly through our office. 📞 Call us: 912-819-4870 #pelvicfloor #urinaryincontinence #pelvicfloortherapy #familynursepractitioner #savannahga

The discount code EXPIRES TONIGHT! Register today for the 11th annual Get Your Rear In Gear 5K at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. SPECIAL OFFER: Use code THANKFUL for a discount on your registration! Join us as we honor the memory of WTOC’s Mike Manhatton and raise vital funds for colon cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment. Best of all? Every dollar raised stays right here in the Savannah area. Event Details: 🗓 When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 📍 Where: Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (225 Candler Drive) 🏃 Time: Kids Fun Run (Free!) @ 8:15 AM | 5K Run/Walk follows Don’t miss the discount! Sign up today: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJbqqGFc

Get ready to lace up your shoes! Registration has officially opened for the 11th annual Get Your Rear In Gear 5K at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion. ✨ SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate our launch, use code THANKFUL for a discount on your registration! But hurry—this code expires Sunday night! Join us as we honor the memory of WTOC’s Mike Manhatton and raise vital funds for colon cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment. Best of all? Every dollar raised stays right here in the Savannah area. Event Details: 🗓 When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 📍 Where: Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (225 Candler Drive) 🏃 Time: Kids Fun Run (Free!) @ 8:15 AM | 5K Run/Walk follows Don’t miss the discount! Sign up today: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJbqqGFc

Depression and difficult feelings aren't easy to talk about, and figuring out where to turn can be overwhelming. Did you know your OB/GYN may be able to help? Dr. Aariel Dees of St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network – OB/GYN wants her patients to know they don't have to suffer in silence. “Don’t be ashamed,” says Dr. Dees. “We see people every day that feel the exact same way you do. We can talk about it.” It may surprise you, but those powerful hormones that regulate growth and metabolism also play a big role in your emotions. For example: 🔷 Patients going through menopause can be in a state of hypoestrogenism (low estrogen), which can significantly impact mental health. 🔷 Hormonal imbalances at any stage of life can affect your mood. The good news? If your symptoms are due to hormone levels, Dr. Dees and her team can develop a treatment plan that's right for you. There are many effective tools available to help you feel better, including: 🟩 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 🟩 Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) to regulate cycles 🟩 Other medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) “Mental health is so important,” Dr. Dees emphasizes. “If you need an SSRI to get through the day, that is completely normal. Or if you need some type of estrogen, progesterone or a combination of the two, then that is also okay. We have all of these tools to help you. We can make you feel better.” If you've been struggling, please know you are not alone and help is within reach. Take the first step today. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms—your mental wellness matters. Learn more at the link in the comments. #obgyn #depression #womenshealth #savannahga