“PINK RIBBON STORIES”
Pat Halpin-Murphy
On this inspirational journey in life, I have been blessed to meet remarkable, uplifting women and families who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis with incredible strength, dignity and perseverance. From young mothers to prominent business leaders, politicians, grandmothers and beyond, I have true admiration for the countless women living with breast cancer, just like me, and those who sadly lost the battle. One such tireless advocate and dynamic breast cancer survivor who is a true friend and force of nature is Tammy Miller. Tammy’s incredible zest for life has enabled others to gain healing power, knowing we all can fight to overcome the darkness that often is created by breast cancer. Tammy is a light in our lives. In “Pink Ribbon Stories”, Tammy shares the faces of breast cancer through a compilation of unique, insightful personal accounts of how cancer changes life and that as breast cancer survivors we do not walk alone.
Fighting cancer has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Why? Over two decades ago, even though I was shocked with a Stage 3 diagnosis, was leading a fulfilling life as a Pennsylvania state official and mother of two college-age daughters, I quickly learned this major health issue would refocus my passion and calling. After barely escaping death twice from this devastating disease, I had a renewed sense of giving others the valuable gift of life. After a long, rough recovery, I plunged back in with immense enthusiasm. My stumbling blocks had become stepping stones. Thankfully, with the love and support from great family, friends and a fabulous medical team, I launched the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in 1993 to educate, advocate, support and help others. Our goal is simple, “to find a cure now, so our daughters and granddaughters don’t have to.”
“Pink Ribbon Stories” offers hope and healing for those of us living with breast cancer. It is an exceptional resource guide filled with extraordinary spotlights on individuals and families. It certainly is a must-read for anyone who is fighting the disease or has a loved one afflicted. Thank you, Tammy, for this amazing and encouraging book. It underscores not to sweat the small stuff, that breast cancer isn’t the end, to be grateful for each new day, count our blessings, lean on others, and NEVER give up! Yes, we all acquire strength in this journey, so make it count!
Pat Halpin-Murphy, breast cancer survivor
President & Founder
PA Breast Cancer Coalition
Reflections
Tammy A. Miller
Like many people in this book, my story as a survivor started when my doctor said the words we never want to hear, “Tammy, it is breast cancer”.
Another one of my books, The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery: Lessons Learned Along the Path to Healing, details the entire journey so I won’t try to duplicate it here. Instead, I will share a few words about my personal journey and some of the things I have learned as we walked through this incredible book project.
My Journey…
My personal journey began on September 14, 2001. I had noticed a change in my breast and we all know the saying, “if I only knew then what I know now!” I thought there was something different going on but when I went to the doctor and saw the physician’s assistant, she wasn’t concerned at all – the first thing – know your own body! Since it was close to the time for my mammogram anyway, I pushed her to have one done.
The experience was a familiar one to many people in this book. I get a mammogram and they call me back for more films because they “see something”.
When I went back for the follow-up, the radiologist described what he saw and told me that even if he did a needle biopsy he wouldn’t trust the results and he recommended I see a surgeon for a surgical biopsy.
Enter Dr. B! Dr. B is a man I had seen briefly a few years before, but I didn’t know him very well. That was about to change! He turned out to be a wonderful doctor who became the head of my Humor Team (yes, clown noses, kazoos, and rubber chickens!) and was the man I credit with saving my life!
You may be wondering about the Humor Team and the other items listed, well, at the time I was a very active professional clown known in my area as Hugz the Clown. As is the case with any well-stocked clown, I was armed with all of the above mentioned equipment, and a few other crazy things.
I firmly believe that we cannot always change what happens to us in life, but we can control how we respond to any given situation. I don’t ever want people to think I am making fun of anyone with cancer, I am just choosing the best response I could, given the situation. For me, I knew I could not change the cancer diagnosis, no matter how hard I tried, but I had complete control over the attitude I brought to the healing process, and that was going to include humor.
There is a great deal of research indicating the positive, healthy effects of humor and a positive attitude in the healing process. The research isn’t just for cancer but also for heart disease and other life challenges. In most cases, recovery is faster and better.
I had three surgeries along my path to healing and each one included clown noses, kazoo send-offs, and a few rubber chickens here and there. There were strange nipple send-of parties, with very interesting cakes (and strategically placed Hershey kisses), go ahead, use your imagination and you are probably right on!
I took notes of everything that was happening. I did this for a couple of reasons, first, I believe that when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, or any life threatening illness, you feel like your whole world is spinning out of control. You may feel that your body has betrayed you; I know I did, and writing everything down that was happening somehow made me feel like I had more control. I know, I didn’t but the perception helped!
Some people journal their thoughts and feelings, and I was taking notes because I felt I could turn the situation into a book that might help others, much like this book will help others on their path to healing.
Throughout my journey I identified a few lessons that I learned along my path to healing. There were twenty in total, and I will share those lessons here:
Lesson One – Don’t put off your yearly exams. Make the call – schedule the appointment.
Lesson Two – Trust your own instincts.
Lesson Three – Keep a record of everything that is happening.
Lesson Four – Develop a personal mantra to replace negative thoughts.
Lesson Five – Recruit your personal Humor Team! (No cost involved!)
Lesson Six – Be prepared to put up your own personal shield of protection.
Lesson Seven – Start and keep a “Recovery File”.
Lesson Eight – Find love and laughter everywhere.
Lesson Nine –Tell your closest family and friends of your diagnosis in person.
Lesson Ten – Be informed!
Lesson Eleven – Remain positive in every single way that you can – no matter how small.
Lesson Twelve - Write down the questions that you want to ask.
Lesson
