Smushing Out Breast Cancer
The Importance of Early Detection
Lisa Patrick
The Ashland Beacon
Cherri Sewell went years without having a mammogram. Too busy taking care of everyone else, she pushed her own health to the back burner. Now, however, she finds herself on a mission to “smush out breast cancer.”
When Sewell visited a new doctor, she was asked about her annual mammogram. Admitting that it had been years since her last one, she was urged to schedule an appointment. Although she was reluctant and tried to convince herself she didn’t have time, something changed just a few days before the appointment. Feeling dizzy, she recalled a voice inside her saying, “You need to do this. You need to get checked.” Looking back now, she knows she made the right choice.
Sewell had her mammogram done right after Christmas in December 2021. Shortly thereafter, she received the life-altering news: she had stage two breast cancer. She recalls that waiting for the results was agonizing, describing the experience as the worst part of her journey. “Playing the waiting game can make a person crazy,” she reflected.
Upon receiving her diagnosis, Sewell’s first thoughts were resolute: “This is just a bump in the road and God will get me through this.” Determined that cancer would not defeat her, she considered it a blessing that her condition was caught early.
In February 2022, Sewell underwent two surgeries to remove the cancer, which had spread to three areas. The first surgery did not succeed in removing all of it, but thankfully, the second one did. However, her battle was far from over; she still needed to endure thirty sessions of radiation treatment. For six weeks, she went five days a week. By the end of the fifth week, she developed severe radiation burns that forced her to take a week and a half off work to heal before completing her treatment.
Throughout this challenging time, Sewell felt fortunate to have a strong support system. “I never felt that I was alone,” she said, crediting her husband and four children for their unwavering support. Additionally, her church family played a significant role in her recovery.
Sewell encourages those without a strong family support network to take advantage of local resources. “There are support groups available, and sometimes just having someone to talk to helps. The breast care navigator at KDMC is awesome, and having a great treatment team on your side makes a big difference,” she advised.
As a nurse practitioner, Sewell aims to be a resource for women navigating similar journeys. She has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings. “Remembering to schedule regular breast cancer screenings is of the utmost importance. Early detection is key,” she insists, urging women to prioritize their health for the sake of their loved ones.
For anyone newly diagnosed, Sewell’s advice is simple but powerful: “No matter what, don’t give up. I know it seems overwhelming at the time, but hang in there, complete your treatment, and trust the advice of your cancer treatment team.”
In February 2025, Sewell will celebrate three years of being cancer-free. Since her diagnosis, she has dedicated herself to the mission of “smushing out breast cancer in Lawrence County.” As she puts it, “Everybody’s boobies need to be smushed.”
Cherri Sewell’s journey is a testament to the importance and urgency of early detection. Sewell hopes that by sharing her story, that she is able to inspire women to prioritize their health and not be afraid to seek the care they deserve. As she continues her mission, to “smush out breast cancer,” Sewell serves as a reminder that, together, we can fight breast cancer and save lives.
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