Tue, Oct 10, 2023 at 12:45 PM

Survivor's Journey: Amy Cassels

Amy Cassels stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Born in Naples, Florida, but having moved to Marshall County at a young age, she proudly considers Marshall County and the Crossville community her home.

A Crossville High School graduate and dedicated employee at Mueller Company in Albertville, Amy's life has always revolved around her two children and the simple joys of everyday living. But everything changed in 2016 when she received a diagnosis that would test her resilience, faith, and the strength of her support system.

"When I heard those words for the very first time, it was hard," Amy said. "It took time to really process that, but what I didn't know was that diagnosis ultimately changed my life. It put my whole life into perspective. It made me realize what was important."

The diagnosis was breast cancer, and Amy's world was turned upside down.

"Going through cancer has so many different phases," she explains. "You have the initial shock, the struggles to accept it, the surge of emotions like anger and fear, and then you have treatments. Even after the treatments, it still leaves a mark on your life, sometimes in positive and challenging ways."

Amy discovered a lump in her breast in 2016 but kept it to herself until after the holidays.

"I didn't want to take away from all the excitement of Christmas, especially when you have little kids," she said.

The original diagnosis was Stage 4, with results showing lesions on her liver and spots in her back. However, further tests revealed that the lesions on her liver were pre-existing, and the spots on her back were not cancerous. Her diagnosis was then downgraded to Stage 3. The road ahead would still be tough, but there was hope.

Amy's treatment journey began in 2017 and invaded her life for the entire year, first with chemotherapy, followed by a bilateral mastectomy in August of the same year, and then 30 radiation treatments. She completed all her treatments in November 2017.

"I was so tired, physically and emotionally. My mind was my worst enemy," she said.

Her doctor advised her to take time off work, but Amy, determined not to let cancer define her, chose to continue working.

"I could not sit at home,” she said. “It was too much on me mentally to just sit there and not do anything."

She attributes much of her strength and resilience to her incredible support system.

"I have an amazing supportive family and work family. Without them, I don't know what I would've done," she said.

Amy, diagnosed at 40 and now 47, reflects on her journey and offers some words of wisdom to anyone on their own cancer journey.

"Hearing the words is the worst part,” she said. “If you can get past that, that is half the battle. Just remember to do your research and talk with your doctors to find out what treatment is best for you, surround yourself with positive family and friends, and find your 'why.'”

“For those who may not be spiritual, she adds, "Now is the time to get to know God because you are really going to have to lean on Him and trust Him to get you through all of this."

Through her challenging journey, Amy found solace and strength at the Marshall Cancer Care Center.

"I remember growing up everyone would say go to Huntsville or Gadsden, but I was and still am extremely impressed with the staff and everyone I came in contact with at the cancer center," she said. "Everyone treated me with compassion and kindness, and it truly felt like a family.”

Her connection to the center remains strong, even after her treatments ended.

"We are friends," she said, speaking of the nurses and staff who made her journey a little easier.

Today, Amy wants to remind others that cancer is not the end.

"It's important to remember we aren't defined by cancer," she said. "It's just a chapter in our lives, not our whole story."

As October shines its spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Amy Cassels stands as a shining example of strength, courage and the determined human spirit that perseveres against all odds.