Fort Leonard Wood Retiree Finds Hope and Healing at Phelps Health

In 2019, Janet Webster retired from the Fort Leonard Wood Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing Department after 31 years.

That same year, in November, the 64-year-old Dixon woman said she knew something was seriously wrong.

“I started getting bad headaches and thought it was just arthritis,” she said. “I couldn't lie on my back because I had this tumor on the back of my neck, which I didn't know was a tumor at the time.”

She made an appointment with her primary care physician, Paul Black, MD, who specializes in family medicine and sees patients at the Phelps Health Waynesville Medical Plaza.

“He was doing massage therapy, but the pain kept getting worse until I just couldn’t stand it anymore,” Janet said.

She was eventually referred to Washington University in St. Louis, where she underwent several tests. Finally, in July 2021, she heard the infamous words, you have cancer.

“I was scared and sad, but still hopeful,” Janet said when she learned that she was diagnosed with stage IV small cell lung cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to other parts of her body, including her neck.

At first, she received her treatments in St. Louis, but the long drives started weighing on her and her husband, Eric.

“When we came back home, after being diagnosed, Eric suggested that we try the Delbert Day Cancer Institute (DDCI),” Janet recalled.

At the DDCI, Janet initially received radiation therapy under the direction of Phelps Health Radiation Oncologist Robert Swanson, MD.

She said Dr. Swanson, Registered Nurse Diana Pantaleo, Radiation Therapist Kent Craighead and other Radiation Oncology staff explained everything to her. “They really took care of me,” she said.

Then, Janet saw Thomas Guerrero-Garcia, MD, and Becky Witham, FNP-C, AOCNP, who both specialize in medical oncology and hematology at the DDCI. “I've been seeing them for 2 years now,” she said.

Janet called Dr. Guerrero an excellent doctor and a good man. “I like to consider him not only my physician but a friend,” she said, adding that she has recommended Dr. Guerrero to a friend.

Janet also appreciates the sound advice and recommendations she has received from Becky.

“You also couldn’t ask for a better staff and nurses. I’m thankful for every one of them,” Janet said.

“I haven't had a bad day going there. My care team makes the whole process a little more bearable,” she said, noting that she sees the DDCI doctors, providers and staff as “little angels sent from God to help us mend.”

From Carrie Sanchez, who helps schedule her appointments, to Lorie Bourne, a clinical dietitian who offers nutritional advice, the DDCI team treats everyone with kindness and professionalism, Janet said. 

Janet also feels like she gets personalized care at Phelps Health.

“I’ve seen the staff when they have five patients, and when they have 20 patients, and I think they know most of them on a first-name basis,” she said.

Janet continues to receive chemotherapy treatments every 3 weeks at the DDCI. Her tumor has shrunk, but

her body is still fighting the cancer.

She appreciates the providers and employees who have cared for her throughout her cancer journey.

“I have good days, and I have bad days, but I am hopeful, thankful, grateful and blessed,” she said.