Carol Ann Dougherty donates to Beebe Foundation in tribute to daughter's fight with breast cancer

The first time Sherrill Doughtery was diagnosed with breast cancer was in April 1990; she was 33 years old. While doing a self-examination she discovered a lump in her breast. As soon as she felt it she knew in her heart it was cancer.

Doughtery sought medical attention from her primary care doctor, who sent her for a mammogram. The mammogram was positive and due to this, a biopsy was suggested. As recommended, she underwent the biopsy and it revealed a form of breast cancer known as intraductile carcino. Her heart sank.

Doughtery was determined to beat the cancer and began to research information and gather advice of medical professionals she was involved with at the time. It became apparent if left untreated the cancer could become more aggressive, so she chose a mastectomy. It was not an easy choice because her breasts were an important part of her image as a woman. However, it was necessary to save her life.

Fast forward to 2013, now 56 years old and working at Beebe Healthcare as a case manager. Once again, she found a mass in her left breast upon self-examination and this time had a biopsy done by Dr. Clara Higgins, who is a general surgeon at Beebe Healthcare. Following the biopsy, Dr. Higgins confirmed Doughtery had cancer in her left breast.

As she reflected back to her experience at the age of 33, she remembered that the surgeon she was seeing at that time recommended a bilateral mastectomy for the prevention of a re-occurrence of cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer returned and Doughteryl had to make the decision of giving up one of her breasts again. Giving up the first breast was hard enough, let alone both.

Prior to completing the second mastectomy, Higgins recommended Dr. Srihari Peri who is an oncologist at Tunnell Cancer Center on Route 24, as well as Dr. Lawrence Chang who is a plastic surgeon. The surgery was a success and Doughertyhas been cancer free for three years.

Carol Ann Dougherty, Sherrill's mother, made a donation to the Celebrate Excellent Care program in honor of her daughter. The donation was in recognition for the excellent care her daughter received at Beebe Healthcare during her battle with breast cancer.

"The thought of losing a loved one to cancer is devastating. Knowing Beebe Healthcare's award-winning Tunnell Cancer Center was there to support us helped during the process. I encourage others to make a donation in support our local cancer center," Dougherty said.

As a community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe continues to depend on the generous support of individuals, corporations, businesses, and private foundations. All gifts, large or small, to Beebe Healthcare, are tax-deductible and are channeled through Beebe Medical Foundation.

To learn more about how to Celebrate Excellent Care, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or write to foundation@beebehealthcare.org.