2x Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story

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Photo: Maury Regional Health

In 2003, Beverly McClarn was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, which came as a complete surprise. She has her daughter to thank for catching it early.

“My daughter was the one who encouraged me to go to the doctor when I felt a small nodule in my left breast,” said McClarn. “She had just learned in school that if there are any unknown bumps or lumps that you should always get them checked out. So, I made an appointment, and I’m so thankful that I did.”

As a life-long resident of southern Middle Tennessee, Beverly McClarn is an active member within the community. She works at King’s Daughters’ School in Columbia, which promotes independence through educational, residential and community services for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism. She’s also an active grandmother with two daughters and five grandchildren.

Breast cancer treatment

When McClarn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, her treatment plan included chemotherapy and radiation. After her treatment, McClarn’s cancer went into remission.

“When you hear that ‘c’ word (cancer), it’s shocking. It’s something you don’t want to hear,” said McClarn. “However, I didn’t know how much faith I had until I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My faith in God got me through it.”

Since her initial diagnosis, McClarn hasn’t missed a single mammography appointment, which is encouraged annually for all women aged 40 or older or earlier for those that have family history of breast cancer.

In 2011, McClarn discovered her breast cancer had returned. Thanks to her annual mammogram, she caught it early.

“Death was not an option for me. I kept to positive thinking and had tremendous support from my entire family,” said McClarn. “My first grandchild was born at the time, and I had things to do and more grandchildren to meet.”

Thanks to a treatment plan including a left breast mastectomy, McClarn beat breast cancer not once, but twice. Today, McClarn’s breast cancer continues to stay in remission.

“The most reassuring part of my experience was the staff at Maury Regional,” added McClarn. “The surgery team, the oncologist and everyone in between. They all gave me peace of mind and let me know they were going to do everything above and beyond. And they did. I only have good things to say. They helped me through every stage of my journey and I’m grateful for that.”

Raising awareness

Today, McClarn still never misses a mammography screening, and she spends a lot of her time giving back to the breast cancer community.

Even though she’s no longer fighting breast cancer, she regularly attends the monthly Breast Cancer Support Group on the third Monday of every month at the Maury Regional Women’s Center. McClarn also attends many speaking engagements to tell her story and often participates in events such as marathons, raising money or awareness for breast cancer.

“My faith is stronger than ever. I’m really dedicated to serving and supporting the breast cancer community,” said McClarn. “What’s the thing I say the most? Ladies (and gentlemen), get your mammograms annually if you’re 40 or older! If you have a family history of breast cancer, start sooner. Early detection saves lives.”

Maury Regional Health is dedicated to supporting early detection, advanced treatment options and comprehensive care for those battling breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, with one in eight women being diagnosed in their lifetime. Regular screenings play a crucial role in identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.

The Maury Regional Women’s Center in the Pavilion at Maury Regional Medical Center provides women’s health services, including 3D mammography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and bone density studies. The Women’s Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Women’s Center also offers educational materials on a variety of women’s health topics and offers educational programs on issues facing women today.

Maury Regional Health provides mammography services at convenient locations throughout southern Middle Tennessee, including Maury Regional Women’s Center in Columbia, Lewis Health Center in Hohenwald, Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Wayne Medical Center in Waynesboro and Spring Hill Imaging Center in Spring Hill.

To schedule your mammogram, call 931.380.4044 or visit MauryRegional.com/Mammogram.

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