Amy's Story

“Dr. Carter literally saved my life, and Dr. Medling is a miracle worker” Amy says as she begins her story.

Amy Lysycyzn is mother of two beautiful girls, bonus mom to a son, a realtor, and an advocate.

Amy was acutely aware of the risks of breast cancer. She had a family history: Her aunt had passed away from complications due to breast cancer in her late forties. Then, at 30, she lost her best friend to the disease. Her experience made her hyper vigilant about doing breast self-exams and maintaining appointments with her OBGYN at MMC, Dr. Brad Chesney. 

Shortly after the birth of her first child she found a lump in her breast. A needle biopsy was performed, and the area was benign. She began seeing MMC general surgeon, Dr. Jimmy Carter every 6 months. Another mass was found and then surgically removed, but still benign. Amy was having mammograms at MMC Radiology every year, sometimes irregular findings, but the high-density scans would be clear.

After her third mammogram in less than a year, Amy and Dr. Carter discussed genetic testing. Within 10 minutes, Amy had completed paperwork and had blood drawn. Two weeks later, Dr. Carter called and gave Amy the news no one wanted to hear, she was BRCA 1 positive. Within 2 hours she had an appointment with Dr. Chesney to have her ovaries removed and an appointment with Dr. Carter the following day. 

Amy was then scheduled for a double mastectomy in late October of 2019. The area they were watching was benign, but cancer was found in her right breast. A long 8-hour surgery gave them clear margins, and the team was optimistic. Amy opted for immediate reconstructive surgery with MMC plastic surgeon, Dr. Brad Medling. Unfortunately, multiple infections in her left breast led to more surgeries until the last infection in March 2020.

As Amy was battling an infection, the world was shutting down. Covid precautions meant Amy was all alone as she faced an emergency surgery and recovery. Once she was able to leave the hospital, because of her compromised immune system, the family was isolated indefinitely. During a follow up with Dr. Medling, the decision was made that she would not continue with breast reconstruction. 

The physical recovery from breast cancer surgery and multiple infections was hard, but Amy describes the emotional recovery as brutal. A friend referred Amy to Tennessee Oncology for counseling and then Amy was referred to the Ascension St. Thomas Foundation Cancer Wellness Program which includes support groups and a physical wellness class.

Through Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, Tennessee Oncology, and Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford, Amy has begun to move forward and heal, both physically and emotionally, after breast cancer. She has made a lifelong connection with both Dr. Carter and Dr. Medling and will be forever grateful for their compassion and devotion to her care.

Amy counts herself lucky to have so many wonderful physicians at MMC and hopes that her story can encourage other women to be diligent in maintaining regular yearly appointments, performing breast self-exams, and getting recommended mammograms.