Mackenzie's Story: A Ray of Sunshine

Mackenzie Wysong’s positive attitude and cheery outlook make the difference in how she approaches life and its challenges.

Mackenzie had only been living in Houston a little more than a year when she received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2013.

“The first thing I noticed about the Memorial Hermann Cancer Center–Texas Medical Center was the friendly and personal attention I received from the moment I first walked in the door,” she explains. “Everyone called me by my name all the time. They assured me I could reach out to them with questions or concerns 24/7 and this was a comfort since I did not have family in Houston.”

Mackenzie made up her mind to have a positive attitude. “I made a pact with myself to live life more and take one day at a time,” she says. She totally trusted her doctor, UT Physicians oncologist Anneliese Gonzalez, MD, affiliated with Memorial Hermann Cancer Center–Texas Medical Center. “I had faith in Dr. Gonzalez throughout the process and that included lymph node removal, chemo, a lumpectomy and radiation treatments.”

To keep her family and friends in Pennsylvania updated, she started a blog. “The nurses were so supportive and they would take photos for me to include. I had never done a blog before and it was really helpful to open myself to a new fun experience.”

Mackenzie decided she wanted to look her best when she went to chemo treatments. “It would make me feel better to take extra care in getting dressed,” she notes. “I also enjoyed the hospital’s hair/makeup program, ‘Look Good, Feel Better,’ that is offered monthly to give patients helpful tips.”

Because the last few years were challenging, she decided to make 2015 her special year. “I travel, work out at the gym, stay healthy and I make every day count,” she adds, “and I have tremendous gratitude for everyone at Memorial Hermann Cancer Center.”