Tasashia McCormick of Mableton was no stranger to breast cancer.
Her mother went through the illness about a decade ago. On New Year’s Eve 2019, Tasashia had her regular mammogram, and within days got a call to schedule a follow-up for additional imaging which revealed suspicious areas known as “microcalcifications.” A subsequent biopsy confirmed stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ.
She soon called Dr. Aaron Alizadeh of Georgia Cancer Specialists in Decatur.
“Dr. Alizadeh is one of a kind and we need more physicians like him,” Tasashia said. “He listens, he cares and he works to understand while providing his professional expertise.”
Tasashia said her first reaction to her diagnosis was “numbness,” despite knowing she was at a higher risk for cancer due to genetics.
“But hearing the word ‘cancer’ literally takes your breath away,” she said.
A lumpectomy soon followed, then 3 1/2 weeks of radiation. However, in early 2021 at a follow-up appointment, Dr. Alizadeh noticed a suspicious nodule in Tasashia’s breast. A follow-up with the breast surgeon confirmed a recurrence of the cancer.
"I was completely devastated at this news,” Tasashia said. “I knew I couldn’t wallow at that moment but had to keep moving forward and understand the next steps of the treatment plan.
“I needed to once again beat breast cancer by giving it all that I had.”
After speaking with Dr. Alizadeh, Tasashia embarked on a treatment plan that included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and possible radiation. She preceded with breast surgeon Dr. April Spencer and plastic surgeon Dr. Sybil Val.
“I honestly felt most heard and understood by this duo,” Tasashia said. “I trusted that I would have the best results for me and that was very important to me in this second journey with breast cancer.”
Tasashia had a double mastectomy in May 2021 and began eight rounds of AC-T chemotherapy about six weeks later.
“Both of these were very hard and by my third round of chemotherapy, I honestly wanted to quit,” she said. “However, with such great support from Dr. Alizadeh, my family and friends, I successfully rang the bell on Sept. 27, 2021.”
Dr. Tosha Balfour-Williams, Tasashia’s radiation oncologist, later determined additional radiation wasn’t needed.
Tasashia described recovery as “one day at a time,” sometimes with “emotional days” and physical pain.
“There are also days when I feel great and I am so grateful to have life,” she said.
Today, Tasashia’s cancer is in remission.
“I’m working on being the best version of this new me and truly making my health a top priority,” Tasashia said. “I am so blessed and very grateful to have made it through the journey.”
She said the love and support of family and friends made the darkest days of her cancer journey bearable.
I received calls daily, cards weekly and messages almost hourly,” Tasashia said. “There were many times that surprise deliveries of food, flowers and/or care packages would arrive to brighten my day and encourage me to keep pushing.
“Each and every person near and far made an impact and I’m forever grateful.”
*The health story shared here is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult with their own physician before making medical decisions.
