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Cancer 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

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.”