Its not every day that the ones at Marshall Medical Centers employed to provide care to patients find themselves on the receiving end, but during an annual mammogram screening performed by Kerrie Washburn, MeLissa Sims-Smiths breast cancer journey began.
The 43-year-old Marshall North CT Technologist had her annual mammogram set for April 8.
It was my third mammogram, and I just went because it was my yearly one, Sims-Smith said. I never thought anything was wrong.
Immediately following the screening, Washburn requested additional pictures and an ultrasound.
When we looked at the pictures further, you could see something wasnt right, Sims-Smith said. The radiologist and I just cried together.
Following her biopsy, she was diagnosed with Invasive Mammary Carcinoma, Stage 1, Progesterone positive in her left breast. Sims-Smith underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy on April 26.
Theyre just boobs, she said laughing. You know you can order boobs on Amazon.
She said the mastectomy was not the hardest part about her journey. The hardest part for her is being strong for her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, two older sons, and husband, Bobby.
She (Kylie) hasnt missed out on any of her activities, Sims-Smith said. She knows mama is sick and tired, but I have only missed one Girl Scout event, and Bobby was able to take her to that.
Sims-Smith married Bobby Smith on August 1, 2021, just 8 months before her breast cancer diagnosis.
Bobby is amazing, she said. I have only had to go to one chemo treatment by myself because he had just started a new job and couldnt get off that day, but all my other treatments he has been right by my side.
Following her second chemotherapy treatment, doctors warned her she would begin losing her hair.
Right after my second treatment, I went straight to the salon to shave my head, she said, and he (Bobby) shaved his head too.
Sims-Smith has worked with doctors at the Marshall Medical Cancer Care Center in Albertville to receive her treatment.
You know, Ive worked with and know most of the nurses and doctors at the cancer center, she said, and every time I go up there they are always so nice, not just to me but every patient they see.
She also appreciates how close the Cancer Care Center is to her home.
Going through treatment is so tiring for me, she said. Its really nice to not have to drive so far.
Her customized treatment plan involves weekly chemotherapy treatments for 12 weeks. She currently has seven more treatments left. To balance her work and treatment schedule, she works 10 hours Monday- Thursday and has treatment on Friday.
Im really looking forward to having Fridays off, she said. I cant wait to sleep in and for my hair to grow back.
She never misses a day of work, Washburn said. Shes been going through chemo and shes at work every day in one of the busiest modalities we have.
Sims-Smith has worked with the hospital for 17 years.
A lot of the patients I see are cancer patients, she said, and you see them every year. You really get attached. I really love people.
Washburn has been with the hospital for 20 years and said Marshall Medical Centers has made breast health a top priority.
A breast cancer diagnosis is very scary but with the help of modern technology and screening detection there is a higher chance for a successful outcome than before, Washburn said.
I feel like at a lot of places breast health may get pushed aside sometimes, she said, but Marshall Medical Centers stays on top of all the latest research and advancements so we can do more to treat it.
In 2017, Marshall Medical Centers installed the latest 3D mammography technology for better, faster detection.
With the help of 3D technology, we are able to visualize the overlapping breast tissue and find abnormalities sooner than before, Washburn said.
The American Cancer Society suggests all women should start annual mammogram screenings at age 40. Washburn recommends those who have high risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer, and are currently taking hormone replacement therapy, should establish a baseline at age 35.
Washburn said Sims-Smith is constantly thinking of others before herself and you would never know she is battling cancer. Sims-Smith said she has one goal for this story.
I hope this story encourages women to come get their mammogram, Sims-Smith said. You couldnt feel my lump, nothing hurt, and I had just gotten one the year before and it was clear. Doing the mammogram is what saved me. If I had waited until I felt it, it would have been way too late.
I feel like if you keep a positive attitude it really helps in your recovery, Washburn said, and MeLissa has remained so positive. Shes just wonderful!
See original here:
Early detection matters | Marshall Medical employee recounts her breast cancer journey - Sand Mountain Reporter
- Hormone Replacement Therapy in NYC | NYC Hormone ... [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2015]
- Hormone Therapy No Longer Recommended - Mercola.com [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2015]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy & Bioidentical ... [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2015]
- hormone replacement therapy - MedicineNet [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: What Women Need to Know ... [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Care Guide - Drugs.com [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) | womenshealth.gov [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy | HRT Therapy Clinic [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Female Hormone Therapy - GenemedicsGenemedics [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctor | Genemedics [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Breast Cancer - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2015]
- Hormone & Testosterone Replacement Therapy [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Bioidentical Hormone | Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - The New York Times [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Clinic NY, Testosterone Injections for ... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- HGH Therapy New York | Hormone Replacement Therapy NY [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Healthgrades > Find a Doctor [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Therapy Clinic New York | HGH Therapy [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in New York [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- New York Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT | Testosterone, HGH [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Dr. Sue Decotiis NYC Medical ... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2015]
- Hormone replacement therapy (male-to-female) - Wikipedia ... [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2015]
- Estrogen and Progestin (Hormone Replacement Therapy): MedlinePlus Drug ... [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2016]
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2016]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy | Menopause Doctor ... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2016]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - What You Need to Know [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2016]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Teresa knight [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2016]
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2016]
- DHEA Restoration Therapy - Hormone Replacement, Estrogens ... [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2016]
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - webmd.com [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Niwot author pioneers interventions for Autoimmune Disease - Left Hand Valley Courier [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Top five misconceptions about menopause - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Transitioning: Controversy, corrections and new-found peace, Misty Lane is finally finding happiness with herself - Douglas Budget [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Md. Medicaid should cover trans-specific care - Baltimore Sun [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- What's the Cultural Impact of Transgender Characters on TV? - Newsweek [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- Advanced maternal age: ethical and medical considerations for assisted reproductive technology - Dove Medical Press [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2017]
- 'A blow to [STAT's] credibility': MD listed as author of op-ed praising drug reps didn't write it. Ghostwriting/PR ... - HealthNewsReview.org [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Vaginal estrogen not tied to cancer or heart disease risks - Reuters [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Anita Green Wants to Win the Miss Montana USA State Pageant This Weekend Here's Why That's a Big Deal - Cosmopolitan.com [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Making your way through Menopause - WOWT [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Transgender military ban leaves man 'crushed' and woman misses window to enlist. Now these desert residents are ... - The Desert Sun [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2017]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Dr Mark ... [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2017]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause - webmd.com [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2017]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - webmd.com [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2017]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (Risks and Benefits). HRT ... [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2018]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy | HRT | Menopause | MedlinePlus [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2018]
- Hormone replacement therapy: Uses, types, and alternatives [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2018]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctors in New York - HRT ... [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2018] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2018]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women | BioTE ... [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2019]
- Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2019]
- Youth Institute BHRT | Bioidentical Hormone Replacement ... [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy New York - NY Vitality [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2019]
- Consider Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Atlanta - Erin Everett, NP-C [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy - Baton Rouge, Lafayette [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Raises Risk Of Death From Breast ... [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Menopause treatment | womenshealth.gov [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy | Types of HRT & Alternative ... [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- The Pros & Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy in Dogs - WagWalking [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - NHS inform [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2019]
- Consider risks before using hormone replacement therapy ... [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: FSA Eligibility [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2019]
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy | Your Wellness ... [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2019]
- Am I going through the menopause? Dr Mary Ryan shares the symptoms to look out for - RSVP Live [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Global Industry to Gain High Market Share During the Forecast Period 2019-2025 - Space Market Research [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- The menopause made my wifes sex drive disappear but she uses my erection problems as an excuse - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Market to Register a Stout Growth by 2028 - Space Market Research [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Sanders Says He Will 'Change the Nature' of His Campaign After Heart Attack - msnNOW [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Trans army veteran gets 42JJ breast enhancement to 'express her femininity' - Mirror Online [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Tesco and Sainsburys among UK supermarkets to be hit by worldwide ibuprofen shortage - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Everyone's favourite filthy agony aunts are back! Podcasts of the week - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- The Lowdown on Lipoprotein(a) - Medscape [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Study: What is the Connection Between Hypothyroidism and Sleep Apnea? - Sleep Review [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- What Women Should Know About Breast Density And Cancer Risk - Patch.com [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Sanders Said He Had a Common Heart Procedure. So Why the Mystery? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Steps women can take to prevent breast cancer - Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Brexit Healthcare blog post: Recent developments on the sale of no-deal Brexit stockpiled drugs out of the UK - Lexology [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]