Dana Easley, Peeples Cancer Institute patient, left, is pictured with her oncologist, Dr. Lisa Duhaime, MD.
Dana Easley finds deep joy in simple things - backyard gardening, cooking for family and friends, time to immerse herself in a book and peaceful walks outside.
However, when she was diagnosed in December with stage four ovarian cancer, her health took top priority. Six rounds of chemotherapy and one hysterectomy later, she continues to draw energy from the simple activities she’s always loved, but this time from health and wholeness.
“A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence,” said Ms.
Easley, a Dalton resident who was treated at Vitruvian Health’s Peeples Cancer Institute in Dalton. “There are just things you have to go through.”
The seriousness of Ms. Easley’s condition surfaced over Thanksgiving weekend in 2024 when she had 31 people at her home to celebrate the holiday. By then, her belly had grown to a size she could no longer ignore, even though she wasn’t experiencing weight gain, pain or other symptoms.
She called her doctor, who advised her to come in the following Monday. After blood work, it became apparent that her cancer markers were “off the charts,” she said. One number that should have been close to zero was 6,000.
“I was shocked,” she said.
Ms. Easley was quickly sent for surgery, but her surgeon said the cancer was so pervasive that she needed chemotherapy to shrink the tumors before the operation could proceed. The surgeon took a tissue sample and immediately closed the incision.
Days later, Ms. Easley began treatment at Peeples Cancer Institute, where she underwent chemotherapy and developed relationships with staff she said encouraged her through the process.
“I chose to wear the Paxman cold caps to freeze and protect my hair follicles from the chemo so my hair would grow back faster,” Ms. Easley said. “It is a personal choice that might not be for everyone, but it worked for me, and I did not lose all my hair.”
She also met with Stacey Gibson, a contracted cosmetologist and hairstylist at Boggs Boutique, an onsite service for cancer patients and their supporters. Ms. Gibson provided both practical and emotional support, working with her to pick out makeup and cutting her hair several times.
“I love Stacy,” Ms. Easley said. “She’s a lifesaver.”
Her treatment with Dr. Lisa Duhaime, MD, and oncology nurse practitioners Kim Bailey and Jaime Pesl was heartfelt and encouraging, she said. Staff brought food, drinks and blankets to keep her comfortable during the seven-hour treatments.
“I’ve seen them all, and they listen, and they care,” she said. “They don’t mind spending time with you. The whole staff is very caring.”
This spring, Ms. Easley underwent a hysterectomy. Her latest scans show no cancer, and on May 20, she rang a ceremonial bell at Peeples Cancer Institute to celebrate her journey back to health.
Her life, she said, is a testament to the “miracle” of modern medicine.
Ms. Easley will continue taking oral medication and a monthly infusion to inhibit cancer from developing again. She encourages others in similar situations to keep a positive outlook. She said surrounding yourself with positive people is important. Cards from friends make a big difference, she added.
“I’m just a very positive person,” she said, noting that if someone remarks there is a 30 percent chance of rain for the day, she’s the type to immediately counter that there’s also a 70 percent chance of sunshine. “It’s easy when you surround yourself with positive people. I just embrace every minute.”
She and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They have one son and twin daughters. Retired from working at an interior design firm, Ms. Easley now finds joy in the kitchen, cooking daily and sharing homemade meals with neighbors, family and friends.