Tinesha Brown’s Story: Finding Strength, Hope and the Power of Screening
For Tinesha Brown, turning 45 was a milestone filled with joy, celebration and time with friends. Just two days later, she went in for her annual mammogram — a routine she never skipped. Though she didn’t perform regular self-exams, she always stayed consistent with her yearly screenings. This year, that decision saved her life.
The mammogram revealed something concerning. Within weeks, she underwent an ultrasound, followed by a biopsy with a breast surgeon. On Sept. 25, 2024, Tinesha received the news no one wants to hear: she had breast cancer.
“I was sad that day, and it really hit me the next day,” she said. “But after I pulled myself together, I started doing research, writing down questions and preparing myself for what was ahead.”
What carried Tinesha through those difficult first days was the compassionate care she received at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center.
“My care team experience has been great,” she said. “Every time I had to go to the next doctor for the next stage of my treatment plan, I walked in nervous but left feeling good about things and how we were proceeding.”
From her breast surgeon and oncologists to her nurse navigator, every encounter left her feeling reassured, supported and confident in her plan of care.
Through her journey, Tinesha has learned the importance of being an advocate for herself. She encourages others to speak up, ask questions and make sure their voice is part of every decision.
“If something doesn’t feel right, say so,” she said. “Ask questions until you understand. This is your health, your life — and you deserve to feel confident in every step.”
Tinesha also reminds others to surround themselves with a care team they can trust.
“These are people you’ll be walking this path with,” she said. “You want to feel comfortable, supported and truly cared for.”
Looking back, Tinesha is grateful that she stayed consistent with her annual screening. Her mammogram detected what she could not.
“I never did self-exams, but my mammogram caught my breast cancer,” she said. “That’s why screenings are so important. They can save lives.”
For World Cancer Day, her message is simple but powerful: “Stay positive and keep pushing. Don’t let others put fear on you or make you feel less.”
For those supporting loved ones through treatment, Tinesha believes it’s the small gestures that make the biggest difference. A ride to an appointment, a warm meal, help with chores, or simply listening — those simple acts of kindness can bring comfort and strength on the hardest days.
“Sometimes it’s just a hug, wig shopping or sitting together,” she said. “Just listen and be there.”
That same compassion surrounded Tinesha during her care at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. From her first consultation to her final treatment, her care team walked beside her — offering encouragement, reassurance and support every step of the way. Their kindness reflected the very heart of our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
Tinesha’s journey is a powerful reminder that every cancer journey is unique — shaped by personal experiences, decisions and moments of strength. Her story highlights the life-saving importance of mammograms, the resilience of survivors and the healing power of compassionate, individualized care.