Cathy’s Journey: Finding Hope After Setbacks

Cathy Taylor’s path through breast cancer included an unexpected delay, a lengthy hospitalization and months of uncertainty. 

Through it all, she found strength in her faith, support from friends, love from her family and care from a surgical team she trusted.

The Selmer, Tennessee, resident was diagnosed with stage 2, HER2-positive breast cancer in July 2024 at age 65. The diagnosis hit especially hard.

“After the doctor left, I cried,” Cathy remembered. “That word is just devastating.”

Cancer had already touched her family. Her brother died from colon cancer in April 2023. The following year, she supported her sister-in-law, Denise, through two forms of leukemia.

An Unexpected Delay in Treatment

=Because HER2-positive breast cancer carries an increased risk of recurrence, Cathy’s care team recommended six rounds of chemotherapy before surgery. The treatment would typically take about five months. 

After her first round of chemotherapy, she developed a severe staph infection known as MRSA and spent more than a month in the hospital.

“I was in lots of pain,” she said as she recalled the infection that had settled into her back.

The infection forced Cathy to pause chemotherapy. Her first surgeon referred her to North Mississippi Health Services’ infectious disease team. 

After intensive IV therapy and placement of a new port, she was able to resume her breast cancer treatment in Corinth. She completed chemotherapy in July 2025. 

“It was almost a year to the day” from her breast cancer diagnosis, she said.

Finding a Surgeon She Could Trust

During her treatment, a nurse recommended surgeon Dr. Danny Sanders and the team at Breast and General Surgery Clinic. That recommendation became an important turning point for Cathy.

“I really liked him from the first visit,” she said. “He made me feel comfortable. I felt like I could tell him anything."

Dr. Sanders talked with her about her surgical options and helped her feel at ease as she prepared for the next step in her care. 

In September 2025, Dr. Danny Sanders performed a bilateral mastectomy for Cathy

“I had no problems with the surgery,” she said. 

Her surgery care team, including nurse practitioner Beane, also supported her beyond the clinic. Before her son’s wedding, Cathy worried about hair loss and whether her dress would fit properly. The Breast and General Surgery Clinic staff assisted her with a prosthetic bra and helped her feel prepared to enjoy the occasion. That blend of clinical expertise and personal attention left a lasting impression on Cathy.

“I’m so glad the nurse told me about them,” she said.

Care Closer to Home

This year, Cathy was pleased to learn that Breast and General Surgery Clinic was expanding access to care, offering consultations and follow up visits in Corinth and Oxford satellite clinics.

“I was tickled when they told me they were opening an office in Corinth,” said Cathy, who saw nurse practitioner Mylie Beane for her annual follow up visit at the new clinic this summer. 

Cathy continues to do well. In August, there were no signs of cancer on her medical imaging tests. 

Faith, Friendship & Support

When asked what carried her through treatment, Cathy’s answer is simple: “Prayers, prayers and more prayers.”

“I had so many people praying for me,” she said. “I just turned it over to the good Lord.”

Her close friends stayed beside her throughout treatment. Breast cancer survivors she had known years earlier reached out to offer encouragement. Family helped when she needed them. 

Cathy, who was widowed six years ago, was especially grateful for that support.

“People reached out that I hadn’t had contact with in a long time,” she said. “That meant a lot to me.” 

Today, Cathy recommends Dr. Danny Sanders with confidence.

“I would recommend Dr. Danny Sanders to anybody. That’s how much I trust him and what he did for me,” she said. “It’s worth the drive.”