The Georgia State Capitol. Photo by Ken Lund, obtained via Wikimedia Commons

We accept letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and are typically 400 to 800 words in length. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. To send your letter to the editor, email it to [email protected].

Dear Decaturish,

When I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, my diagnosis shook me and my family to the core. Where would I get treatment? Fortunately, I chose CTCA in Newnan. While treating there, I quickly learned that I was not just another woman with breast cancer, but a mother and wife, who longed for a long productive life.

At CTCA all my treatment options were explained to me each step of the way. I learned about the advantages and potential side-effects of various treatments, and how nutrition and other supportive therapies could help me tolerate my treatment. I was also asked what treatments I wanted to pursue. After consulting with family, I chose surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Right now, I am still treating with hope.

But perhaps you are unaware of an existing state law that limits the number of patients that can be treated at CTCA in Newnan? Yes, Georgia law limits the amount of patients the hospital can see locally. I truly believe that no woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis like I did, should be told that she is unable to treat at a hospital due to specific limitations that are in place.

I am calling on Senator Emanuel Jones and Representative Karla Drenner to support reforming our state’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws for CTCA and ensure every Georgia woman has access to all available treatment options.

Sincerely,

Rev. Vanessa Brown Mason

Decatur, GA 30035