Community

‘Stay Positive’: Debbie Mason’s Journey with a Daunting Diagnosis (article)

Published

4 years ago

August 23, 2021

Kelsey Asher

Photos by Tracey Rice.

Good health is something that many might take for granted, right up until the doctor sees a funny spot on an x-ray or a questionable result on a test. Peachtree Corners resident Debbie Mason probably didn’t expect to hear the dreaded six-letter word (cancer) when she went in for a routine checkup last November.

After taking a CA125 blood test, some unusual results led to further inspection and the discovery of a polyp in the uterus. Determining the malignancy of this polyp involved a fair bit of supposedly routine, but nevertheless disconcerting, procedures including a dilation and curettage (D&C) and removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries that, due to age, were no longer needed. Then the news came that Debbie had a carcinosarcoma indicative of endometrial cancer.

“I can still remember exactly the words the doctor used. He said it was the worst kind of cancer a woman ever wants to be told she has. At that time, I couldn’t hardly catch my breath. I just figured I would get my affairs in order,” Debbie said.

Strong resolve for the journey

Those in this community who know Debbie know that she is somewhat of a cornerstone of this young city, as the dutiful wife supporting her husband Mike Mason in his role as mayor, as well as her vital role as Vice President organizing the annual Peachtree Corners Festival. So, of course, news of this magnitude would come as a shock, to say the least.

But in typical make-do-and-mend fashion, Debbie went back into surgery in the hopes of beating the odds. A different surgeon went in and removed her uterus. At that time, it was determined that the cancer was at Stage 1, because it had only progressed through the wall of the uterus up to 60%.

“I was grateful for it, but it would have been great if it had only been 50% because then they wouldn’t have recommended chemotherapy,” Debbie said.

The belief was that with chemotherapy and radiation, Debbie had a better chance at a good outcome. She started her first round of chemo in January and dealt with harrowing symptoms and scares, including hair loss, jaundice and liver failure.

Liver failure is a rare side effect of chemotherapy that affects less than 1% of those undergoing it, and Debbie was referred to a liver specialist who thought she might even require a transplant. Luckily it never came to that, but it meant that Debbie was not able to resume chemo.

Despite this setback, Debbie trudged on. After waiting about a month for her liver values to blessedly return to some version of normalcy, Debbie began her radiation therapy. She has undergone three rounds of radiation treatments with very few side effects and is now about six months into it. Her first CAT scan came back clean, showing no signs of recurrence.

Awareness leads to early detection

Debbie has been very open and honest about her journey, even sharing pictures online that illustrated the toll that her illness has taken. It is worthwhile to note that this upcoming September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and that Debbie’s awareness of her condition first became apparent because of the concern of a friend who had recently lost his mother to ovarian cancer.

It was a matter of dire importance to this friend’s mother that he compel the women in his life to get a CA125 blood test. This test is a common indicator for abnormalities related to ovarian cancer and similar cancers. So Debbie had requested the test be included in a standard physical and, as a result, doctors detected the disease much earlier than it probably would have been.

“Early detection is key. The reason why everything is so gloom and doom when you read about carcinosarcoma is women find it late,” Debbie said.

Thankful and positive

Debbie made special mention of her gratitude for the thoughts and prayers of the Peachtree Corners community, adding how nice it was to have a whole city praying for her and that “there can’t be too many prayers.”

Though no one can say for sure what lies ahead, Debbie remains cautiously optimistic. When asked what advice she would give to those given a cancer diagnosis, and their loved ones who want to support them, Debbie had some wise words of encouragement.

“My advice is stay positive. Don’t act like you’re dying. Eat healthy and exercise,” she said. “I have made it a point to take all toxic things out of my life, and that has helped tremendously.”

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Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

2 days ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.