Joyce Davis, of Boydton, was admitted to VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital for stomach pains last summer. During routine testing, doctors found a small spot on her left lung. Pulmonologist Obed Adarkwah, M.D., ordered further tests and a biopsy. 

“It was scary,” Davis said. “Here I was in the hospital for one thing, and then they find out I have cancer.”

A few months later, cardiothoracic surgeon Walker Julliard, M.D., performed the operation at VCU Medical Center. After Davis recovered, she was relieved to be able to complete chemotherapy treatments locally under the care of Nemer El Mouallem Jr., M.D. at CMH Cancer and Specialty Care from December through February.

“The staff were all so good to me,” Davis said. “I really appreciate their wonderful care.”

When patients finish their last treatment, they get to ring a bell to celebrate. Davis’s family worked with the staff to surprise her with a celebration on February 14.

“Because it was Valentine’s Day, I didn’t think anything of the balloons in the lobby,” Davis said. “But when I got outside and recognized all my family, I knew they were there to support me.”

Her niece, Ashley Greene, is a nursing student at Southside Virginia Community College. She went to every treatment with her aunt to offer support. Another niece, Tiffany Hargrove, took a video of the celebration.

“With God and my team I’m 100% cancer free. I can’t thank everyone enough for their prayers,” Davis said.

CMH Cancer and Specialty Care is affiliated with VCU Massey Cancer Center. Cancer treatments are provided in the Hendrick Cancer & Rehab Center and in the Solari Radiation Therapy Center, located at 750 Lombardy Street in South Hill, Virginia.