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Family
health
A healing journey
Jason Suh, MD
Hospitalist
360-414-2000
Prakash
Thapaliya, MD
Medical Oncology
Lower Columbia
Cancer Center
360-414-7878
David
Whitaker, DO
Family Medicine,
Internal Medicine
360-501-3601
Shawn Aaron, MD
Family Medicine
360-414-2389
Douglas
Camp, MD
Hospitalist
360-414-2000
James Suero, MD
Cardiologist
Specialty Clinic
360-414-2730
Dane
Moseson, MD
General Surgery,
Oncology Surgery
360-501-3500
Anthony
Simons, MD
General, Colon, and
Rectal Surgery
360-501-3500
WHEN V I RG I N I A KE L LY ’ S
eyes first met Don’s in the
small café she waitressed in, she knew this was the man
she’d spend the rest of her life with. Don had the same
impression of Virginia.
That moment in 1993 began a journey that would take
the couple across the country in their business of setting
up shows for Paramount Tours. As they’ve traveled life’s
road, little did the Kellys realize their most challenging
adventure would be Virginia’s recovery from cancer.
Last year, Virginia began experiencing severe pains
and blockage when trying to use the restroom. The pain
worsened, and Don took her to the Ocean Beach Hospital,
near where the couple lived at the time. A three-inch
tumor was found, and Virginia was immediately taken by
ambulance to the oncology floor at PeaceHealth St. John
Medical Center. Hospitalist Jason Suh, MD, shared the
news that Virginia’s tumor was cancerous—stage III and
at the threshold of IV, the most serious stage of cancer.
Surgeon Dane Moseson, MD, set to work, successfully
removing the tumor.
Virginia’s cancer care provider, Prakash Thapaliya, MD,
was “wonderful and caring,” the couple says. Virginia’s
primary care provider, David Whitaker, DO, also assisted
in her care.
The experience was eye-opening, and, as with
everything else, the couple resolved to face it together.
They relocated to Longview, and Don became Virginia’s
caregiver, changing the bag she had to wear for months
until her successful reverse surgery by surgeon Anthony
Simons, MD. Today, she’s cancer-free.
The Kellys placed their trust in the healing mission of
PeaceHealth St. John and are deeply grateful to their team of
caregivers and providers who walked this journey with them.
What’s next in the Kellys’ journey together? “Touring
Washington state in our RV!” says Don.
J I M AP P L EBY I S
a guy who puts his heart into all he
does. A three-sport athlete from Rainier, Oregon, Jim
played college baseball at Lower Columbia College and is
an accomplished college and high school men’s basketball
referee. He is general manager of the Cowlitz Black Bears,
a collegiate summer baseball league, so he stays active,
especially during baseball season.
That’s why last fall, when Jim started experiencing severe
difficulty breathing, he wasn’t sure what was happening
and checked himself in to the emergency department at
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. Jim was surprised to
learn he was having symptoms of a heart attack.
He spent several days in the hospital and “received the best
of care,” he says. Jim has nothing but high praise for his team
of care providers at PeaceHealth Medical Group: hospitalist
Douglas Camp, MD; cardiologist James Suero, MD; and
family medicine provider Shawn Aaron, MD.
“I know it’s their job, but they are truly very caring and
compassionate,” says Jim of his PeaceHealth providers and
caregivers.
“Mr. Appleby presented with atypical chest pain and
multiple risk factors,” says Dr. Suero. “Fortunately, stress
testing did not show evidence of coronary artery disease.
However, echocardiography identified hypertensive
heart disease with diastolic dysfunction. The patient has
significantly improved his symptoms by exercising and
dramatically changing his diet. His self-imposed goal was
to consume ‘less than 1,400 milligrams of sodium’ per day.
He remains on medication for his hypertension, and I am
glad he is feeling better.”
Jim’s lifelong involvement in athletics keeps him active
and disciplined, and he has stuck to his care plan. Today,
with the care he received from his PeaceHealth providers
and caregivers along with his commitment to his own
health, Jim is back in the game again doing what he loves.
Getting back in the game
PAT I ENT P ROF I L E
PAT I ENT P ROF I L E
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local providers
PeaceHealth Medical Group
1615 Delaware St., Longview, WA
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