The surgical biopsy was found to be cancer.  Beverly then was counseled by an oncology doctor giving her all the treatment options – mastectomy or radiation and chemotherapy.  She chose the latter.  The radiation consisted of thirty-eight treatments every morning during the week.  She also started on her daily dose of Tamoxifen to be taken over the next five years.  She will finish her treatment in mid-December of this year.  The Marshios plan to celebrate!

Beverly chose to take a positive attitude.  She continued to work full time with her husband, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  This often meant going to the hospital in the middle of the night to see patients in the emergency room, many of which they took to surgery to operate on.  They also had to make hospital rounds, as well as see patients in their offices.  “She never slowed down at any time,” said Dr. Marshio.

As a result of her experience, Beverly feels closer to breast cancer patients, realizing what many feel both mentally and physically.  While counseling patients, she presents a positive approach to handling their problems.  She is a clinical assistant, surgical counselor, and practice manager with her husband at their M&M Medical & Surgical Clinic in Rockport.

Dr. Marshio remarked, “It (cancer) is what it is!  You have to move forward.”  Beverly stated emphatically, “You have to do what you have to do.  You have to get the cancer out to prevent spreading.”

Beverly said that her husband stood by her side while SHE made the treatment decision for the disease in HER body.  Dr. Marshio and Beverly believe strongly that women are very good about supporting other women, and being alone at a time of crisis is not an option.  Breast cancer awareness is essential!

Beverly gives the credit for her successful treatment of breast cancer to her loving husband for his medical and surgical experience and for his profound love for her.

Together, they fought cancer and won!

---

As published in South Texas Living, October 2006