Breast Cancer Survivor and Doctor Have Emotional Reunion
After going through a heart-wrenching experience, well-known freelance photographer and South Mississippi Living contributor Katherine Sowers is spreading breast cancer awareness by reuniting with Dr. Allison Wall and crediting the dedicated oncologist for saving her life.
“No one in my entire family has ever had cancer,” Sowers said. “The initial diagnosis just knocked the wind out of me. I was shocked and so scared.”
Sowers and her husband Trevor have a 10-year-old son, William. Their lives were changed forever in late September 2022 when Sowers received a stage two breast cancer diagnosis.
“My son was just eight years old, and I had always kept a healthy lifestyle,” Sowers explained. “I had never had any kind of surgery. I’m thin and fit. So why me?”
A friend recommended Dr. Wall, who has practiced medicine on the Gulf Coast since 2008. She attended medical school at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where she met her husband, Mark, a radiologist. They have two children, Katherine, 14, and Grant, 13.
“When I walked into Dr. Wall’s office for the very first time, I’ll never forget it,” Sowers said. “I was crying so bad. She gave me powerful hugs and held my hands and said, ‘I’m going to help you and God’s going to save you.’”
That kind of empathy and tenderness is one of the many reasons Dr. Wall is such a special physician on the Coast. She wholeheartedly believes in the healing power of strong support and a reliable doctor-patient relationship.
“My patients are my second family,” Dr. Wall said. “I want them to know I will be there to support them the best way I can, and we will tackle it together. It can be very taxing and emotional but then it’s so humbling and rewarding and is constantly challenging me to be better for my patients.”
Dr. Wall laid out a treatment plan tailored for Sowers that included six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 18 rounds of hormone infusion treatment.
“I just can’t say enough about how positive she is,” Dr. Wall said. “And she was so diligent and analytical with all of her treatments, diet, and exercise.”
Sowers has been cancer-free for a year. “If not for Dr. Wall, we would not have this story to tell,” Sowers said. “She’s full of love, caring, and encouragement. She will do everything for all her patients. She’s sent from God and a walking angel. She’s a real superhero, giving everyone hope. I’m so proud to call Dr. Wall my doctor.”
