experience with this common condition. I believe that the descriptions of the medical procedures, interventions, and decision-making are largely correct, but I have not suggested any significant revisions since that might destroy the character of the book, and that is what makes it a valuable resource. It is the voice of Tammy Miller that, in my opinion, most benefits the readers.
The medical “science” with which we diagnose and treat breast cancer constantly changes as new drugs and devices are invented, newer ways to image breast cancer are developed, and clinical trials come to fruition and lend their results to our armamentarium of treatment options. In the 11+ years since Tammy was diagnosed with breast cancer, we have added diagnostic tools such as digital mammography and breast MRI and treatment options such as Herceptin, aromatase inhibitors, and partial breast irradiation. We now have genetic tests that can be performed on tumors to better predict both prognosis and response to specific treatments. If Tammy was to be diagnosed with a second breast cancer tomorrow, her treatment would almost certainly be significantly different than the, at that time, “cutting edge” therapy we offered her in 2001.
But although the science evolves, the way that people can best respond to dealing with the adversity that is cancer is relatively constant. The medications and treatments may change, but the power of the mind and attitude in healing does not. The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery provides an excellent blueprint for women trying to cope with this diagnosis. Tammy’s story, chronicled within these pages, and her 20 lessons illustrate what I believe to be optimal combinations of optimism and realism, proactivism and cooperation, skepticism and trust, humor and gravity with which we can best fight serious health conditions such as breast cancer. In my career I have unfortunately witnessed both men and women unable to continue to “live their lives” while battling malignancies. They have succumbed to panic, refused to be educated or educate themselves, ignored their malignancies and allowed them to progress beyond what medical science can treat, or lost themselves in depressions to the extent that even an excellent medical outcome for the cancer failed to return them to the life they had prior to their diagnosis.
Fortunately, this is not the norm for my patients. But I truly believe that the ranks of those who cope well with the changes in their lives wrought by breast and other cancers are swelled by those who have been helped by Tammy’s book and her lectures. I strongly encourage you to add this book to your reading list as you educate yourself about breast cancer.
Aaron D. Bleznak, MD, FACS
Vice President & Senior Medical Director-Specialty Services
Sentara Healthcare/Sentara Medical Group
20 Lessons Learned Along the Path
Before I start my actual story of recovery, I would like to offer this list of 20 very important lessons I learned along the path to recovery. I will look at each of these lessons in greater detail as we progress through the book.
These are lessons I believe anyone can use, whether you are facing breast cancer, other cancers, illnesses, or any other challenge that life throws at us. These lessons serve as a reminder that we have choices in how we deal with whatever comes our way. I believe in many cases that we feel like we have lost control, but if we realize that we can make a choice, it can be the difference between just surviving... and thriving in any given situation.
I prefer to call these “lessons”, as this journey was a journey of learning. I learned about myself. I learned about others. And, I learned, most importantly, that I could play a major role in the tone of my own recovery. I ask that you walk with me down my path to recovery, and embrace these lessons and make them your own.
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 Thirteen – Look for the smallest blessings in each day.
Lesson Fourteen – Know that you have choices.
Lesson Fifteen – Remember, you are a unique person!
Lesson Sixteen – Celebrate the smallest victories.
Lesson Seventeen – Accept that there are some things in life we cannot change.
Lesson Eighteen – Keep your doctors and health care providers accountable.
Lesson Nineteen – Thank your healthcare providers.
Lesson Twenty – Live life to the fullest!
A Quick Reference for the “Cast of Characters”
Since I refer to the doctors in this story by the first letter of their last name, I will provide you with a “key” to the names for quick reference:
Dr. G – Initially read the mammogram at the Breast Care Center and detected a possible problem; advised against a needle biopsy for certainty; performed the pre-surgery procedures
Dr. B – My surgeon for the first two surgeries and my follow-up cancer doctor
Dr. M – The Anesthesiologist who performed the pre-surgery procedure
Dr. V – The Anesthesiologist in the operating room
Dr. W – The Oncology doctor
Dr. C – The OB-GYN doctor who performed the hysterectomy
Dr. D – The Radiation/Oncology doctor
Introduction
“Sometimes the only sense we can make out of life is a sense of humor.” — Unknown author
I can hardly believe that it has been over eleven years since I have been diagnosed and you are holding in your hands, or your electronic reader, or phone, the third edition of this book! (Hard to believe, but eleven years ago, the e-readers and phones weren’t even an option!)
The goal of this publication is two-fold. The first purpose is to help other people who may have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, are recovering from breast cancer, or have a family member or friend facing the challenges that a breast cancer diagnosis can bring to their lives. The second purpose is to serve as a personal reminder of my experiences, and the wonders and beauty of life. If you gain nothing else from this book, and I certainly hope this is not
