Alison McCullough’s Journey Through Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Alison McCullough discovered a lump under her arm while shaving, a life-changing moment that would set her on a challenging journey. At the time, she was gearing up to model at New York Fashion Week, focusing intensely on her physical fitness. Understanding her body well, she quickly sensed the significance of the lump.

At 39, McCullough faced challenges in accessing healthcare. A mobile mammogram provider rejected her, citing American Cancer Society guidelines that recommend mammograms start at 40. Securing a referral from her primary care provider meant long wait times in Alaska, where medical options were limited. “I had to jump through the hoops,” she said, recognizing the urgency yet feeling stalled by the process.

Despite the uncertainty, McCullough stayed focused on her modeling commitment. After nearly two months, doctors diagnosed her with an aggressive form of breast cancer. “I was shocked, and every time I got new information, it was worse,” she recalled. Initially, she assumed surgery would suffice, but she soon learned she needed chemotherapy, and braced for the loss of her hair and more difficult news.

“Am I ever gonna get good news?” she thought.

An Intimidating Diagnosis

Dr. Erica Mayer, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, shed light on McCullough’s triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, affecting 10% to 15% of cases. This means the cancer lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making targeted therapies ineffective. The treatment path included chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and newer methods like immunotherapy. “Our patients are doing better today than they ever have before,” said Mayer, despite not treating McCullough.

McCullough faced a delay at her infusion center, amplifying fears of the cancer spreading. “This cancer is growing,” her husband worried, prompting them to seek alternatives.

Exploring New Options

The couple discovered City of Hope, a cancer research and treatment center. They reached out to the Phoenix office and quickly received a response. “Two days later, my husband and I were on a flight,” McCullough recounted. At City of Hope, the team aligned with her original treatment plan but offered a consolidated facility for her appointments, providing significant relief.

Her treatment spanned six months, with two phases of chemotherapy. Initially, side effects were minimal, but the latter months proved more taxing. “I hung in there,” McCullough said, attributing her physical strength to her recent fitness regimen.

A Remarkable Triumph

Completing chemotherapy in March marked a significant victory. A double mastectomy followed in April to reduce recurrence risk. In May, McCullough received the uplifting news: she was cancer-free. “It was the best news,” she shared.

With recovery and reconstruction underway, McCullough returned to Alaska for her son’s 12th birthday. Her primary focus remains family, fitness, and potentially returning to fashion shows. She hopes to inspire others through her story. “I do see glimmers of fashion shows and pageantry again in my future!” she said.