Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives

10/25/2021

Two Friends and Co-workers Use Their Voices to Encourage Women to Take Charge of Their Breast Health

NATCHEZ, Miss. – October 26, 2021-- Tammy Cranford and Dee Ham share many things in common. They are registered nurses who work together in the quality department at Merit Health Natchez. They are friends, mothers and wives who, like so many women, put their needs and wants aside to focus on their families and work tirelessly each day in their professional careers and home life responsibilities.

One thing they never expected to have in common was breast cancer. But it happened in 2020 when Tammy was diagnosed at the age of 44 in April and Dee in October, at the age of 45. They share their stories because, like so many women, they never expected a breast cancer diagnosis. Their hope is that by sharing their stories, women will realize breast cancer can happen at any age, without any family history and early detection truly can (and does) save lives.

Tammy felt a lump in her breast and on April 1, 2020, she had a mammogram. Previously, Tammy had two breast biopsies that were both benign; she had a feeling this lump was different. “I can’t describe how I knew, but this lump worried me,” said Tammy. Within two weeks of the initial mammogram, followed by a biopsy, she had a bilateral mastectomy and a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. Tammy began chemo treatment on May 14 and received her last treatment October 22.

When asked about the rapid pace in which her diagnosis occurred to the time she had the mastectomy, Tammy was quick to point out that she knew she would have options regarding having a full or partial mastectomy. “Working in the medical field, I was very comfortable and confident with my physicians and within a week of the diagnosis, I met with all three of them. The physicians communicated with each other and with me, and I was able to make my decision with peace of mind. Dr. Geoffrey Flattmann, general surgeon, performed my mastectomy, Dr. David Steckler, plastic surgeon, performed my reconstruction surgery and Dr. Jack Rodriguez, with Natchez Oncology Center, oversaw my chemotherapy plan and treatment. We are so fortunate to have these services in Natchez,” said Tammy. “I can’t begin to explain how comforting it was to know I was in their hands, as well as surrounded by friends and co-workers who took exceptional care of me during my hospital stay,”

Dee also felt her lump through self-examination, but it was during a time when she was suffering from an infection that was causing fever, chills and nausea. She returned to work days later and was in a meeting where Breast Cancer Awareness Month was being discussed. This conversation triggered her memory of finding a lump, and her mammogram was scheduled on October 8, 2020. Like Tammy, Dee was ready to move quickly and attack her breast cancer diagnosis head-on and with a positive attitude. Opting for a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, performed by the same surgeons who treated Tammy, Dee had her surgery at Merit Health Natchez on November 6. “I was fortunate not to have to undergo chemotherapy due to the lump being detected so early,” said Dee.

Tammy and Dee are friends, registered nurses, co-workers, mothers, wives and now breast cancer survivors and advocates for breast self-examination and early detection through mammography. Both expressed their desire to encourage all women to perform regular breast self-examinations, as well as regular screening mammograms. “The 3D technology available at Merit Health Natchez can detect lumps that can’t be felt by self-exams, thus helping lead to even earlier detection,” said Dee.

Sharing their stories and reflecting on their shared experience in 2020 reminded them of how far they have come. “When I told Tammy about my cancer, she hugged me and told me it was going to be okay. I had seen her battle the disease and win, and this gave me great comfort and determination,” said Dee.”

Tammy and Dee have met some amazing women through this journey who were always willing to share their struggles, as well as their triumphs. “Breast cancer survivors share a special bond, and we want women who may be newly diagnosed with breast cancer to know they are not alone,” said Tammy and Dee. “I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I found out my name had been added to prayer lists at local churches; I mean people I didn’t even know personally were praying for me,” said Dee.

Family, friends, co-workers, church members and yes, even strangers, can lift you up during difficult times. Today, Tammy and Dee remain forever grateful for the quality, compassionate care they were able to receive in their community and at their hospital.

Breast self-exams and regular mammography screenings are your greatest weapons in the fight against breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected, Tammy and Dee will be the first to tell you to allow yourself some time to process the diagnosis, cry and admit your fear. But after that, get busy with facing the decisions you will need to make and you feel are best for you.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” Tammy and Dee found their strength and courage, and now they use their voices to encourage women to take charge of their breast health. Breast cancer can change you. But they are proof the change can be beautiful and positive.

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