In Her Own Words

She Walked In...And Danced Out

Tyoni Martin

Tyoni Martin hadn't had a mammogram in nine years, since she moved to Lake Summerset from California. FHN's convenient Walk-in-Wednesday program prompted her to finally get tested...and she is happy she did.

"I decided to go at my husband's encouragement," Tyoni explains. "I just walked in, registered, and had my mammogram done then and there. After my exam, Nurse Navigator Jen Schierer, RN, MSN called to tell me more tests were in order. When the radiologist recommended a biopsy, I was scared. But Jen was right there to help - she was phenomenal. After my cancer diagnosis, she was comforting and reassuring, thoroughly explaining next steps. She assured me Dr. Barry Barnes would take good care of me...and he did.

"My husband, Ron, and I met with Dr. Barnes to discuss options. His calm, competent manner helped us both. With his guidance, I opted for a lumpectomy. After surgery, Dr. Barnes came back with four beautiful words: 'We got it all.' What a relief!"

Tyoni's follow-up radiation treatments at The Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital were equally successful. "Everyone was so encouraging and professional. Thank God for FHN's innovative care so close to home."

Now Tyoni, a former professional swing dancer and instructor, is back to managing her Internet TV dance business and enjoying the lake with her husband. But she won't soon forget her partners at FHN, where she walked-in...and danced out.