It's October, and the color pink has flooded restaurants, malls, medical facilities, and homes as our nation comes together to support those who have fought and been affected by the battle of breast cancer. United under this umbrella of pink, we are challenged to spread awareness so that prevention prevails against diagnosis, and awareness catches cancer in its earliest stages for treatment.

Julie Smith, a native of Bedford County, is a patient with a personal testament of how important breast cancer awareness is to our community. "During my annual visit to my gynecologist, my doctor felt a pea sized lump in my left breast," Julie reflects, "Little did we know our world would very shortly turn upside down with the words, 'you have breast cancer'." Julie was pointed to the Comprehensive Breast Center (CBC) at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, where our team of physicians partnered with her through the journey of diagnosis all the way to remission.

What is the CBC? This is a collaboration of our Radiology, General Surgery, and Plastic Reconstructive departments. The trio works together to give the patient the comprehensive, coordinated care needed when it comes to discovering and treating the "C" word, cancer. MMC's CEO, Joey Peay, shares that this unique service benefits patients because they "can proceed with their treatment as quickly or as slowly as they would prefer." The entire mantra behind the coordination of these departments is to offer the most convenient and caring experience for the patient.

Like many women would understand, Julie claimed that "the fear was almost overwhelming" upon her diagnosis. Tempted to live in fear, she shares that "as a Christian, I know God is my anchor. I have never felt such peace in a difficult time." Her husband and teenage sons also offered stability as they rallied around her, acting as her nurses, chefs, and chauffeurs.

Just as her family and friends huddled around her, our CBC team was committed to doing their part in aiding Julie. There is enough complication induced by cancer and its circumstances. Our doctor's goal is to bring about peace-of-mind through expertise to guide the patient along their journey.

Julie describes each step of the process with the reassurance that each staff member, from radiologists, to doctors, to nurses, treated her professionally and personally. "I consider myself extremely blessed. I am a seven year breast cancer survivor! It is a comfort to know that in a time of need, there is an extremely skilled, caring staff at MMC," Julie remarks. Julie was indeed blessed! Her cancer was caught early and handled effectively. MMC gave her the opportunity for recovery and remission.

This is Julie's story; what's yours?

For women over 40, scheduling a mammogram with the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Radiology department is an annual preventative measure to monitor your breast health. MMC Radiology department offers 3D mammography, and is experienced in the detection of irregularities. MMC General Surgery department performs biopsies to determine if tumors are cancerous or benign. From that point on MMC Plastic Surgery department is there for options concerning breast reconstruction.

For more information about the Comprehensive Breast Center at MMC, please visit mmclinic.com or call us at 615.867.8040.