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Patient Stories

A Breast Self-Exam May Have Saved This Woman’s Life

Angel McVay was a busy wife, mother, business owner, photographer, and yoga instructor. Luckily, she took time for a breast self-exam and went to a UAMS Neighborhood Clinic immediately after noticing a suspicious lump. She was referred to the Breast Center at UAMS for a mammogram the following day, and then a biopsy, which showed she had invasive ductal carcinoma.

Further testing showed she has the BRCA2 mutation and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and her spine and pelvis. As a healthy 32-year-old, she was a good candidate for aggressive treatment that included four months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Eight months after her diagnosis, her scans were clear. Angel’s grandmother is a 35-year breast cancer survivor. With the advancements in treatment being made now, Angel is planning to be at least a 75-year survivor.

“Dr. Makhoul was there every step of the way, and the entire medical team at UAMS was incredibly kind and helpful. Having experienced the advanced care available today, thanks in part to participants in the Race for the Cure, I believe we can have both quality of life and quantity.”

Angel McVay, Little Rock

We Had Work to Do

When Northwest Arkansas businessman Cameron Smith was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer, he didn’t waste any time. “We had work to do,” he said. The first order of business included consulting UAMS’ renowned head and neck surgeon James Y. Suen, M.D.

Led by Dr. Suen, a team of physicians immediately began a rigorous treatment regimen that included a research clinical trial to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. Now, almost five years later, Cameron appreciates life like never before and is proud to spread the word about UAMS as a board member of its Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“My experience at the UAMS Cancer Institute is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Everything went like clockwork. I want everyone to know we have world-class cancer treatment right here in Arkansas. These folks are the real deal.”

Cameron Smith, Rogers

Brothers Enjoy Game Days Together

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that runs in the Johnson family. James Johnson, Sr., suffered from the disease and received a donated kidney from his brother in 1985. His young sons made a promise then that they would donate a kidney to the other if they ever needed one.

On Feb. 3, 2016, James, Jr., received a donated kidney from his brother, Jeff, and once again, the two brother transplant surgery took place at UAMS. After more than a year of restricted activities due to James’ kidney disease, the Johnson brothers can once again enjoy game days and holidays together with their families.

“Feb. 3 was like a new birthday, thanks to UAMS and a new kidney from my brother. Organ donation is a wonderful gift — one I’m extremely grateful for.”

James Johnson, Jr., Russellville

This Running Expert Got Back in Form with a Sports Medicine Doctor

Gary Taylor is used to providing advice to others when they come into Go! Running, but when Dr. Michael Cassat came into his store, the roles quickly reversed. Gary asked the sports medicine doctor if he could help with a lingering Achilles tendon problem, and the doctor’s response was, “Sure, come see me.” Dr. Cassat prescribed physical therapy, a night splint, and modified training.

A few months later, Gary was in better running condition than he had been for several years. While selling running gear, Gary now readily refers others to Dr. Cassat, a family physician with an emphasis in sports medicine at UAMS, explaining how his passion, caring and expertise made a difference in his life.

“The first thing you notice about Dr. Cassat is that he obviously cares and has a real passion for what he does. With the backing of an institution like UAMS, you know you’re in good hands. They make a great combination for the Central Arkansas fitness scene.”

Gary Taylor, Little Rock

Life-Saving Neurosurgery While Pregnant and in a Coma

At four months pregnant, Sasha arrived at UAMS in a coma.
We gave her hope — and a baby son.

Early in Sasha’s pregnancy, a tangle of blood vessels ruptured in her brain. She was airlifted to UAMS, where neurosurgeons are on call 24/7. By the time she arrived, she had no pulse and had to be revived twice.

The UAMS team of neurosurgeons, high-risk pregnancy specialists, and other medical experts joined forces to save two lives. Thanks to the high level of care and expertise at UAMS, Sasha and her family had hope. Just months and two surgeries later, Sasha has a bright future and a healthy new son.

Neurosurgery while pregnant and in a coma– amazing story of UAMS care

Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw Gets Orthopaedic Care at UAMS

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw knows better than most that sacrifices made on the field can have lasting effects. In 2015, the injuries and pain from 14 years in the NFL made it difficult for him to walk, play golf or meet the demands of his busy schedule as a co-host of “FOX NFL Sunday.” Terry turned to the expert orthopaedic team at UAMS for help. After a knee replacement with Dr. Lowry Barnes, ankle surgery with Dr. Robert Martin and wrist surgery with Dr. Theresa Wyrick, Terry is once again enjoying his work, hobbies and family with no pain or discomfort.

“UAMS was awesome. The entire staff of doctors and nurses was phenomenal. It couldn’t have been a better experience.” – Terry Bradshaw

Wires Gave Him His Life Back

For 25 years, Charlie DeBoard lived with an essential tremor. It affected his hands and then his voice, progressing so much that he could barely talk. Embarrassed by the tremor, he gradually spent less time out with friends and family and almost retired. His family doctor recommended he see a specialist at UAMS.

When Dr. Erika Petersen, a UAMS neurosurgeon, discussed surgery to implant wires in his brain to connect to a neurostimulator, he was immediately intrigued. Working in the family business at DeBoard Electronics for more than 40 years, he was familiar with wiring sound systems of all kinds and quickly grasped how the thin wires implanted in his brain would connect with the transmitter in his chest. Those wires gave him his life back.

“This was very innovative surgery, and it got me back in the world. I was very fortunate to have doctors with this expertise so close to home. Otherwise, I would’ve had to go out of state, or even worse, still be trapped by my tremors.”

Beating Colon Cancer

Former Arkansas Senator Paul Miller of Melbourne is not your average senior citizen. At age 79, the retired auto dealer, realtor, farmer and coach was in great shape and still running four miles regularly. His diabetes was well-managed, and he had no complaints about his health. Then, about a year ago, he started having severe stomach pains. His local doctor ordered a colonoscopy, which indicated there may be cancer.

Miller was then referred to Dr. Jason Mizell, a surgeon at UAMS. Mizell performed surgery to remove the cancerous portion of Miller’s colon and reconnect it, and Miller was back home after a three-day hospital stay. Because the cancer was caught early, he didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation.

“Because I was in good health, I didn’t really think about getting a colonoscopy. I’m glad I did, and I encourage everyone else to have this procedure. If they find something, go to Dr. Mizell and UAMS.”
– Paul Miller, Melbourn

The Fight of Her Life Against Breast Cancer

When first diagnosed, Stacy said, “I knew that I was in for the fight of my life.” For her fight with breast cancer, Stacy Sells chose the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Her treatment included chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy, radiation and reconstructive surgery.

“One of the things that really made my experience at UAMS incredibly comforting was when I found out that I didn’t just have an oncologist, but I had an entire team of 5 brilliant doctors.”