In December of 2013, Amy Carrico received a diagnosis that would change her life. When doctors told her she had stage three breast cancer, she had a lot to process.
A mom of four, Carrico had two children in grade school, one toddler and a newborn. With a dental practice in full swing and a house full of children who needed her, Carrico had to quickly reevaluate what mattered to her most.
“At first, I panicked and thought I should retire,” Carrico said. “I prayed and asked for God’s guidance. My prayer was, ‘I’ll be the best mom I can be, but if you want me to still be a dentist you’ll have to provide some help.’ Family was number one and career had to be second.”
The treatment, requiring chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, lymph node removal, a hysterectomy, and reconstruction was considered very aggressive. Carrico knew she would need someone to cover her patients while she was out. What happened next, she considers a miracle.
A man who supplies products to Carrico’s office knew of a dentist who would be returning to Owensboro for a brief stay before returning to work for the Veteran Affairs in Florida. After a quick contact, the woman readily agreed to cover for Carrico while she battled breast cancer.
“She came to my practice and saw my patients for nine months while I was being treated,” Carrico said. “It was as if she was an angel that came into town and dropped in my lap,” Carrico said.
After her treatment, Carrico said she didn’t know what to expect. At first, she was just grateful to be back and have patients in her chair.
“I couldn’t believe I was fine,” she said. “I was healthy, my arms were working, my staff stayed with me through it.”
Just after her return to work, Terry Norris offered a space to rent at The Springs on KY 54 and she embraced the opportunity as a chance to have a new scene. She said there for three years.
“Eventually, I knew I needed to build my own building but I also wanted to be part-time so I could be with my kids,” Carrico said. “That’s when I searched for a partner to build my building.”
Carrico found that Meagan Aull was the perfect fit for her vision of approaching a partnership with a lot of hard work and respect.
“Her work ethic and determination are just what I was looking for and she fits right in,” Carrico said. “We have the best of the best — dental assistants, hygienists, and amazing administrative staff. I feel like we have attracted incredible assistants and we are blessed to work with them each day. Most dentists don’t get to work with people like this.”
Not only does Carrico praise her staff for making her comeback easier, but her patients fuel her passion, too.
Being able to return to her practice after battling breast cancer has helped Carrico to realize how much her profession means to her.
Through this journey, Carrico said she has learned to appreciate just being here. Being able to be a dentist, a mom, a wife, a friend, and a child of God are all things she treasures.
