While preparing for New York Fashion Week, Alison McCullough discovered a lump under her arm. At 39, in peak physical condition, she noticed the lump and understood its potential implications. Despite needing a mammogram, she faced obstacles. A mobile provider cited that regular mammograms start at age 40, so she needed a referral. Unfortunately, this led to delays due to appointment wait times in Alaska, leaving her to navigate the healthcare system.
“I had to jump through the hoops,” McCullough said. Waiting for help, she tried not to dwell on worst-case scenarios. Although her role in Fashion Week served as a welcome distraction, nearly two months passed before her diagnosis revealed aggressive breast cancer.
“I was shocked, and every time I got new information, it was worse,” McCullough shared, detailing the realization she faced about needing chemotherapy and its side effects.
Confronting The Diagnosis
McCullough’s cancer was classified as triple-negative, affecting 10% to 15% of breast cancer cases, according to Dr. Erica Mayer from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Triple-negative tumors lack three key receptors, limiting treatment options to traditional methods like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. New strategies, such as immunotherapy, offer hope as advancements improve patient outcomes. Nevertheless, McCullough faced a month-long delay at her chosen infusion center.
“My husband reminded me, ‘This cancer is growing. It’s been over a month.’ It was time to explore alternatives,” she recounted.
Finding Hope
City of Hope, a cancer research organization, became a beacon for McCullough. Her call on a Friday led to a response within hours. The Phoenix, Arizona, office promised a collaborative meeting of specialists within days. McCullough and her husband traveled quickly. The treatment plan matched her prior oncologist’s approach, but in a centralized location, eliminating logistical challenges. Treatment commenced within days, not weeks.
The intensive 6-month treatment involved two chemotherapy forms. Initial months produced mild side effects, while subsequent sessions were more taxing. “Understanding being immunocompromised was difficult, but I hung in there,” McCullough reflected.
Celebrating Triumphs
March marked the end of chemotherapy, which McCullough considered a victory. To minimize recurrence chances, her doctors advised a double mastectomy, completed in April. Despite the possibility of further treatments, miraculous news arrived in May: McCullough was declared cancer-free.
“It was the best news,” McCullough stated.
Recovery introduced reconstructive surgery and a return to Alaska, coinciding with her son’s 12th birthday in June. McCullough prioritized family during recovery and eyed the runway.
“I see fashion shows and pageantry again,” she affirmed, emphasizing the motivation they provide for sharing her story and spreading hope.