Oncology Patient Finds Care She Needs with Dr. McBee at Mon Health Cancer Center

Amber Koerber

When Amber Koerber was initially diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she felt compelled to receive a second opinion after her exploratory surgery. After speaking with Dr. William McBee, Gynecologic Oncologist, Amber transferred her care to Mon Health Cancer Center in Morgantown, WV.

Amber's symptoms started abruptly when she woke up with severe stomach pain, which she initially thought were intestinal issues. Her husband finally convinced Amber to see a doctor, and she got in to see her gynecologist who then ordered an ultrasound. They found an 8cm mass on her left ovary. 

"My gynecologist did not think there was any malignancy and scheduled emergency removal of the ovary and the fallopian tube," Amber said. "He sent it to pathology just in case, and when I went back a week later to get my stitches out, it was positive." 

At 43 years old, Amber was diagnosed with Stage IC Endometrioid Ovarian Cancer. She was referred to a physician in her local area for treatment and didn't feel as comfortable as she would like while beginning the long journey ahead. 

"I had a friend who saw Dr. McBee, and I was way more comfortable with that decision. I felt better after a phone call with his office," she said.

Amber then transferred her care to Mon Health Cancer Center, a near three-hour drive from her home in Tornado, WV. After establishing care with Dr. McBee, she was scheduled for a hysterectomy. 

"I had the hysterectomy done in February 2020 and had six treatments of chemo at Mon Health Cancer Center. My last treatment was on June 25, 2020," Amber said. "I had genetic testing done with Jessica Pforr, NP on why I developed the cancer in the first place."

The genetic testing came back positive for a specific gene that puts Amber at higher risk for other cancers. She was referred to Dr. Gorman Joel Reynolds, Gastroenterologist at Mon Health Medical Center, to keep a close eye on any new symptoms pertaining to her digestive system. Amber has continued to see Dr. McBee every three months and will gradually see him less often as she heals.

"Dr. McBee is exceptional. He's very personable, concerned, and called me personally on more than one occasion to check on me and see how I was feeling," Amber recalled. "I always knew he knew what he was doing. His NP's were also incredible, everyone always took the time to answer any questions I had." 

Amber was born and raised in Yawkey, WV and now lives in Tornado, WV. She has two daughters, a 13-year-old who enjoys playing volleyball and a 10-year-old that enjoys horse riding. She has been married to her husband for two years and they enjoy hiking and camping together as a family. 

"All of the girls in the Mon Health Cancer Center go above and beyond, and they're all so confident in what they do. They were genuine and I feel cared about when I'm there. It's a three-hour drive to Morgantown, and it's worth it every single time."

To learn more about the Mon Health Cancer Center and the services Dr. McBee and the Oncology team offer, visit monhealth.com/cancer or call 304-598-6578.