When Grace Miller discovered a painful lump in her breast, she never expected a cancer diagnosis. With no family history of the disease, she initially attributed the symptoms to dense breast tissue, but a mammogram and follow-up testing ultimately revealed invasive lobular breast cancer.
When additional testing revealed cancer in both breasts, Grace underwent a bilateral mastectomy and began a long, difficult recovery. Over the next 10 months, she faced complications that led to multiple hospitalizations and seven surgeries.
Through each setback, one source of comfort and connection remained constant: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center's Breast Cancer Support Group.
While recovering from her first surgery, Grace was introduced to the group and has been attending ever since. “It gives me an opportunity not just to talk about my story, but also to help people who are navigating it for the first time,” Grace said. “Once treatments and surgeries are over, many people feel alone with their fears and anxieties. It’s nice to have a group of people who truly understand.”
Over the past several years, Grace has become a source of encouragement for others facing a new diagnosis, often offering guidance and a listening ear between meetings.
“The anxiety of not knowing can sometimes feel worse than the cancer itself,” she said. “Having someone who can help you navigate it, share their experience and simply listen is a gift.”
For those unsure about joining a support group, Grace offers simple advice: “Go once and see what it does for you. You might find understanding, support and even a new friend.”
Providence Holy Cross offers a variety of resources for patients and survivors, including breast cancer support groups, patient navigation, oncology services, nurse education, rehabilitation therapies and access to multidisciplinary cancer care teams.
“Breast cancer affects every aspect of a person’s life, which is why support extends well beyond diagnosis and treatment,” said Michelle Tabar, MSN, RN, OCN, CMSRN, senior nurse manager of oncology services at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. “Our goal is to provide patients with compassionate guidance, educational resources, emotional support and connections that help them feel empowered throughout their cancer journey and beyond.”
Today, Grace continues to encourage others to lean on the support around them.
“This is not a death sentence,” she said. “You’re not alone, and there are people who are ready to walk this journey with you.”
Those seeking support, connection or encouragement are invited to join the Providence Holy Cross Breast Cancer Support Group, which meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
