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Accepting Help, Moving Forward: Tia’s Breast Cancer Journey

October 12, 2026

For Tia, life changed quickly. What began with a routine mammogram soon became a journey she never expected — one that showed her the importance of staying positive, accepting help, and moving forward one day at a time.

An Unexpected Diagnosis

Tia had been receiving regular mammograms since she turned 40. With no family history of breast cancer, she had no reason to expect that this year’s screening would be different. But when her mammogram identified areas that needed further evaluation, additional testing and a biopsy followed. The biopsy confirmed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in her right breast.

Although the diagnosis was overwhelming, Tia already knew where she wanted to turn for care. The year before, she had been seen at TGH Cancer Institute | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center after finding a lump that turned out to be benign. That positive experience led her back to Vanessa Prowler, MD, a breast surgical oncologist with TGH Cancer Institute | LRH Hollis Cancer Center.

After talking extensively with Dr. Prowler about her diagnosis and options, Tia chose to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction.

“Every patient’s diagnosis and circumstances are different, so it’s important that we take the time to discuss the options and develop a care plan that is right for them,” says Dr. Prowler.

Tia underwent surgery on August 7. When additional tissue needed to be removed, she returned for a second procedure later that month. The experience moved quickly — so quickly that Tia is still processing everything that has happened. “It’s been a whirlwind,” she says.

Navigating Recovery

Tia’s recovery brought some unexpected challenges. Bloodwork ordered as part of her care revealed that she had a clotting disorder, and shortly after her second surgery, she developed blood clots that required hospitalization. After receiving treatment, Tia returned home to continue her recovery.

Through it all, she says the physicians caring for her have helped make a difficult experience easier. “The doctors there have been amazing,” she says. “I am getting better every day.”

Today, Tia continues to recover and is in the process of breast reconstruction with LRH plastic surgeon, David Straughan, MD. She currently has tissue expanders in place and will work with Dr. Straughan as she moves through the reconstruction process. She will also continue to follow with her care team as they determine the next steps in her treatment.

Finding Her Way Back to Everyday Life

Tia is already getting back to an important part of everyday life: watching her 12-year-old daughter play sports. “We’re already back at softball,” she says. “It’s been so much easier than anticipated, and I think it has a lot to do with the doctors.”

A nurse herself, Tia is accustomed to caring for others. She is also very independent, which made accepting help a challenging part of the experience.

Her son and his wife had recently returned from the military and moved just minutes away before her diagnosis. Her daughter-in-law lives nearby and helped during her recovery. Friends and family stepped in, too, even organizing meal trains.

That support taught Tia something she now wants other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis to remember. “If you have a village, use your village,” she says. “Accept the help.”

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She also credits a positive outlook with helping her navigate the uncertainty and rapid changes of the past several months. “Mindset is everything,” Tia says.

Her journey isn’t finished yet. But with each day, Tia is moving forward, supported by her family, her care team, and the positive mindset she has carried with her from the beginning.

Breast Care

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