Being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at age 35 may not seem like a blessing. 

For Morgan Williamson of Pontotoc, her unexpected cancer journey has been filled with expert care and compassion. 

“Everyone has been so caring,” said Morgan. 

Morgan’s low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma was diagnosed and treated because she chose to have a hysterectomy to treat an unrelated condition. 

“Had we not chosen hysterectomy, within six months, we would have been facing a much different scenario,” said Hunter Williamson, Morgan’s husband.  

Routine GYN surgery

In December 2024, Morgan developed issues with heavy bleeding, bloating and pelvic pain. 

“It just didn’t stop,” Morgan said. “I knew it wasn’t normal.”

When it didn’t resolve, she went to see OB-GYN Dr. Ronny Young in January. An ultrasound revealed nothing suspicious, only fibroids. Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscles and connective tissue of the uterus. 

“We were pretty certain the fibroids were the source of the issues,” Morgan said. 

After discussing several treatment options with Dr. Young, Morgan decided a hysterectomy was the best choice for her. She had surgery to remove her uterus at North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital in February 2025. The robot-assisted procedure performed by Dr. Young left Morgan’s ovaries intact so she wouldn’t go into early menopause. The procedure went smoothly, and nothing suspicious was noted. 

The tissue samples were sent for analysis as part of the normal process following a hysterectomy. Morgan went back to work as an assistant teacher in Union County Schools. In early March, Dr. Young called with surprising results: the lab had found cancer, specifically low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. 

“My head was spinning,” Morgan said. 

The rare cancer occurs at a rate of one to two cases per million women and accounts for less than 1% of uterine cancers. It usually is found in women over 40. 

Once the cancer was identified, the North Mississippi Health Services team pulled resources together for the Williamson family. 

NMHS Cancer Care is connected to gynecologic oncologists at UAB Health in Birmingham. Dr. Haller Smith and other UAB gynecologic oncologists see patients in Tupelo at NMMC Hematology Oncology and perform some procedures at Women’s Hospital. Because Morgan needed to be seen as soon as possible, the Cancer Care team helped her get an appointment in Birmingham. 

“Thankfully, UAB got me in very quickly,” Morgan said. “Dr. Smith took the time and explained everything.” 

Dr. Smith recommended a second surgery to check for any remaining cancer. Because this form of cancer is sensitive to hormones, she also advised to remove Morgan’s ovaries. 

Care Close to Home

Aside from the initial visit with Dr. Smith in Birmingham, Morgan has been able to receive all of the care she needed in north Mississippi. 

Morgan had scans before her second surgery at NMMC Gilmore-Amory. The second surgery to remove her ovaries and take biopsies was performed at Women’s Hospital in May. 

Her primary care physician, Dr. Curtis Glidewell at New Albany Medical Clinic, helped her manage the symptoms of early menopause. 

At Dr. Young’s direction, Morgan started routine mammography at age 35 because of the increased risk of breast cancer. Her first mammogram was performed at NMMC-Pontotoc.

“I’ve been all over the (health care) system,” Morgan said. 

In August, her follow-up scans showed no signs of cancer. 

“Everything is looking great so far,” Morgan said. 

Little things add up

Facing cancer is difficult even in the best of circumstances. Morgan worries about the risk of the cancer’s return and the impact on her family, especially their 12-year-old daughter, Macy. She drew strength from the Biblical parable of the tiny mustard seed. 

“Jesus taught that faith ‘the size of the mustard seed’ is sufficient to see great, life-changing miracles happen,” she wrote in a testimony about her experiences.

During Morgan’s cancer journey, the Williamsons received kindness and care from the NMHS team that made a big impact.

On the way to the hospital for Morgan’s first surgery, the car stalled at a red light. The Williamsons called on family to get Morgan to the hospital on time. Hunter handled getting the car towed and got to the hospital as quickly as possible. The Women’s Hospital team made sure he had a moment with Morgan before she went back for surgery. 

“They were great,” Morgan said. “They never made me feel like it was any inconvenience.”

During her pre-admission visit, Morgan’s emotions overwhelmed her. One of the team members noticed her tears and reached out.

“She stopped what she was doing and came over to give me a hug,” Morgan said. “She sent me home with a Bible verse; I still have it on my fridge.”