Artist and Church Health patient, Deanna Mullins, knows well the recovery process after having a partial mastectomy. She is well versed in having pain under her arms from incisions to remove breast cancer.
As she recovered, it was painful for her arms to rest at her side. Realizing the same is true for other breast cancer patients, she was inspired to create pillows for breast cancer patients to rest their arms during recovery and chemo treatments.
In December of 2018, Deanna received one of her best Christmas gifts in becoming a Church Health patient through the MEMPHIS Plan, Church Health’s health care plan for small businesses.
Deanna was nervous before her initial visit knowing that years had passed since she had a routine checkup, including a mammogram.
“Dr. Veronica Swannigan gave me a thorough exam which included referring me to have a mammogram at Methodist Breast Center,” Deanna explained. “It revealed the presence of cancer.”
Deanna’s biopsy showed the cancer required treatment at West Cancer Center.
“Elizabeth Keon, RN, was my patient care assistant there,” Deanna said. “She gave me a detailed description of my cancer; stage 1, invasive ductal cancer.”
In June of 2019, Deanna underwent a partial mastectomy recommended by her oncologist, Dr. Bradley Somer, performed by Dr. Roy Ozwaks, and followed by radiation treatments with Dr. Michael Farmer.
“After my surgery, I had a great deal of pain in my breasts,” Deanna said. “My arms resting on them hurt a lot. I found that one of my best friends was a pillow to keep my arms off my incisions.”
Deanna has been in remission for three years finding new life in artistic ventures.
She now creates and sells pillows, posters and prints and donates the proceeds to local non-profits. In October, she will donate a portion of the proceeds to Church Health.
“It gives me great joy to be able to help and encourage others through art,” Deanna said. “To hear someone say that my work inspired them really makes me happy.”
Deanna’s recovery and healing through Church Health’s network of volunteer providers and partners has given her a new passion for artful ways to comfort others. She also credits her friend and “health care angel,” Patricia Newell, patient referral coordinator, for showing her love and support during her initial appointments at West Cancer Center.
“Church Health is a very special place,” Deanna added, “with some of the most caring, dedicated, compassionate, helpful, warm people that you’ll find anywhere.”
Through generous giving, we help take care of patients like Deanna through life-saving cancer screenings and early detection resources. Meet other patients like Deanna and learn more about Church Health’s impact on our community at ChurchHealth.org/stories.
