Over Thanksgiving break 2021, Neena Gulley and her family took a “dream vacation” to Hawaii. The Alpharetta resident said she had the time of her life but felt fatigued, attributing it to the stress of travel and the upcoming holidays. In December, she noticed a lump in her breast during her monthly self-exam and made an appointment with her gynecologist, who recommended a needle biopsy.
The results came back positive for cancer. Two weeks later, she met with Dr. Kimberly Lairet of North Atlanta Breast Care to discuss treatment options. Neena then met her medical oncologist, Dr. Nishan Fernando of Georgia Cancer Specialists, and began chemotherapy for breast cancer in February 2022, receiving two cycles of treatment.
Her care continued with a cycle of radiation under Dr. Edmund Simon of Northside Radiation Oncology Consultants, followed by immunotherapy. Surgery included a double mastectomy performed by Dr. Lairet and reconstruction surgery by plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Mirzabegi, followed by a reconstruction revision procedure.
“Phew; it was a lot,” Neena said. “I received all my treatments at Northside Hospital Forsyth, and I feel like I received the very best care.”
In July 2024, Neena noticed another lump — this time on her back. By December, it had become difficult to ignore, and Dr. Fernando ordered imaging.
“I was diagnosed with a high-grade non-specific pleomorphic sarcoma,” Neena said. “Cancer again!”
For her sarcoma diagnosis, Neena was referred to Dr. Scott Davidson of Northside Melanoma & Sarcoma Specialists of Georgia, who removed the tumors in a single surgery with clear margins in February 2025. Plastic surgeon Dr. Katherine Santosa performed reconstructive surgery to close the wounds.
“Removing large tumors from your back leaves huge holes, which require extensive plastic surgery to close back up,” Neena said. She ultimately underwent three surgeries and received wound care through Northside Hospital Rehabilitation Services over several months to fully close the wounds.
Throughout both cancer journeys, Neena relied heavily on the support of her family, friends and the broader cancer community.
“I am lucky to have a very supportive family and friends who linked arms and wrapped themselves around me during my illness,” she said. “Friends drove my kids to their activities and brought us meals so that we could experience as much normalcy as possible. My parents, husband and kids were incredibly loving and supportive.”
She also participated in programs offered through Cancer Support Community Atlanta and attended a weekend retreat through Northside Hospital.
“I attended the cancer survivor retreat at Elohee through Northside. That was such a gift,” Neena said. “I used the weekend getaway to relax, rest and connect with other cancer warriors.”
Neena has also attended Northside’s annual Patient and Care Partner Cancer Conference for the past two years.
“The speakers are excellent, and I learn so much each year,” she said.
Navigating treatment forced Neena to learn an important lesson about accepting help.
“This was very difficult for me, but I had to learn how to ask for help,” she said. “Once I started chemotherapy, it became very clear that I could no longer manage the details of my life the way I had before.”
She said she needed help caring for her children, preparing meals, getting to appointments and recovering from surgeries and treatments.
“I am forever grateful that my family and friends took on so many burdens of my life so that I could focus on healing and spending my very limited energy with my family,” she said.
While Neena would not wish cancer on anyone, she said the experience brought an unexpected perspective.
“I always knew I had a close community of friends and a very tight family, but having them by my side during this very difficult journey was priceless,” she said. “I also learned how to say yes to the things that are meaningful to me and to say no to things that do not fit in my life.”
She added that the experience led her to take a leap of faith and start a travel agency with her best friend.
“It has been a thrill to create itineraries for ourselves (we are our most aligned clients!) and others,” Neena said. “Tomorrow is not a given, and now I encourage everyone to take the trip!
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE.
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
