Patient’s persistence, trust in physician lead to life-changing care at Piedmont

Cartersville, Ga. (June 12, 2026) - When LaToya Hudson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38, she knew immediately she would have to advocate for her own care.

At the time, Hudson was living in Memphis, Tennessee, navigating a new and overwhelming diagnosis. But uncertainty around her treatment plan—and even her cancer stage—left her searching for answers.

“I was getting told I was stage one, I was getting told I was stage three, and that made me mad,” Hudson said. “I knew I had to find someone who was going to take care of me and explain what was really going on.”

Patient-Centered Care

Her search led her to a second opinion where she connected with Dr. Cathy Graham—a physician whose thorough and transparent approach would ultimately change the course of her care.

From the beginning, Hudson said, the difference was clear.

“She went through every image, from beginning to end, and explained everything to me,” Hudson said. “She told me the chemotherapy wouldn’t work for my tumor and recommended surgery and radiation instead. That level of detail made me comfortable.”

Hudson underwent a mastectomy in January 2020 and continued follow-up care, trusting Dr. Graham’s expertise and guidance every step of the way. Even after relocating to Nashville, she continued traveling to Cartersville for appointments—choosing continuity and trust over convenience.

“When you build a relationship and you trust your doctor, that’s where you stay,” she said.

Access to Specialized Care

That trust would prove critical again when a follow-up MRI revealed a potential concern. After learning that Dr. Graham had transitioned to Piedmont, Hudson didn’t hesitate.

“I said, ‘I don’t care where she is—I’m going,’” Hudson said.

At Piedmont, Hudson said she found the same level of attentive, patient-centered care that first drew her to Dr. Graham. The physician quickly reviewed her imaging, outlined options and worked alongside her to determine the best path forward.

“She always explains why she’s doing something,” Hudson said. “That means everything to me.”

Hudson also credits her Piedmont care team—including nurses, navigators and specialists—with helping her feel supported throughout her journey.

“That whole team makes you feel comfortable,” she said. “They make sure you understand what’s happening and that you’re taken care of.”

Dr. Cathy Graham said building trust through clear communication is a critical part of delivering high-quality cancer care.

“My goal is to make sure every patient understands their diagnosis and treatment options so they can feel confident in the decisions they make,” Graham said. “When patients feel heard and informed, it leads to better care and better outcomes.”

In the years since her initial diagnosis, Hudson has continued to rely on Dr. Graham for guidance—even seeking her input on unrelated health concerns. Most recently, a mass on her hip that had gone undiagnosed for nearly two years was quickly addressed after she turned once again to the Piedmont physician for help.

“She told me, ‘We’re going to get this taken care of,’ and she already had a plan,” Hudson said. “Just hearing that gave me so much peace.”

Better Outcomes Through Partnership

Today, Hudson remains focused on her health and committed to staying proactive with her care. Her message to others is simple: trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“If something doesn’t feel right, go get a second opinion,” she said. “That second opinion is what led me to Dr. Graham and it made all the difference.”

Hudson said her journey has also strengthened her perspective, reinforcing the importance of staying positive and connected to her care team.

“A good day for me is just feeling normal and being pain-free,” she said. “But what gives me hope is knowing I have a doctor who listens and a team that has a plan.”

At Piedmont, that partnership between patients and providers—grounded in clinical expertise, communication and trust—helps ensure every patient receives the care and support they need to move forward with confidence.

Through personalized cancer care, clinical expertise and a commitment to listening to every patient, Piedmont is helping individuals like LaToya Hudson navigate complex diagnoses and move forward with confidence and hope.