Allyson Floyd- A story of early detection and life
It was an unseasonably warm day in February when CMC Media and PR Specialist, Allyson Floyd was knee deep in another busy workday. One topic covered in the morning meeting at the hospital was the upcoming schedule for the CMC Mobile Mammography Center. As fate would have it, the mammography bus was scheduled to be at a CMC clinic that Allyson had to pay a visit to later that day. While she did not have an appointment scheduled that day, on a whim, she knocked on the door of the bus and as luck would have it, they had an opening for her.
The scans done on Allyson that day, and on all our CMC Mobile Mammography patients, are done on the very same imagery machines that you will find at our CMC Imaging locations. The 3-D technology offers advanced screening to accommodate all breast types, including women with dense breasts. Our mobile mammography technologists are skilled in the latest radiological technology and experts at keeping you informed and at ease during your screening. Taking less than fifteen minutes, annual mammogram screenings are one of the easiest errands you will run on your to-do list.
Within just a few weeks, Allyson was called back for additional testing that confirmed her diagnosis of stage I breast cancer. CMC’s breast cancer nurse navigator, Jeannie Gibson, then stepped in to play a critical role in helping Allyson navigate the details of her diagnosis and connect her with the team that would guide her throughout her journey. And while Allyson had hoped for different results from her screening that day, she credits that visit with saving her life. A delay of weeks or months in getting her annual mammogram could have made all the difference in her prognosis and outcome.
CMC Cancer Center- Committed, compassionate care in the heart of Horry County
After a successful surgery with CMC’s Dr. Aaron Epstein of CMC Surgical Associates to remove the cancerous mass, Allyson started her journey with CMC Cancer Center, A Duke Health Affiliate. Working closely with CMC Oncologist, Dr. Najla Itani and CMC Nurse Practitioner, Colleen Farley, developed a comprehensive one-year treatment plan consisting of weekly chemotherapy, followed by radiation among other interventions. Reflecting on her weekly chemo treatments, Allyson said “I actually enjoyed going to my chemo treatments, believe it or not. The chemo itself is one thing but getting to know the CMC Cancer team each week; these people are just amazing.” She continues, “I feel like I can go in there and receive the help I need to save my life.”
The road to recovery after a cancer diagnosis is a long one. It is one that not only takes a physical toll but a mental one as well. Allyson stresses “You do not realize, going into it, the emotional toll that it has on you and your family. The compassion, the welcoming spirit, and the joy of life that is available to everyone at the CMC Cancer Center is amazing.”
That caring spirit expands beyond the clinicians you will encounter. CMC Oncology social worker, Allie Goldman, works closely with our cancer patients to connect them with local resources to support them during their treatment and in recovery. Whether it be assistance with transportation to and from treatments, connecting them with aid to assist with bills via the CMC Foundation, gas cards, wigs, and more.
Comprehensive Care that treats the whole patient
Undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiology, and other infusions can result in many acute and long-term side effects that the patient must manage. Your CMC Cancer Center team will work closely with other CMC providers such as dermatology, primary care, nutrition services and more, to keep you feeling as good as possible, allowing you to focus your energy on your fight against cancer.
To learn more about the CMC Foundation or to support their life-saving initiatives, click here.
