More than 18 million people in the United States today have faced cancer and have emerged as survivors. National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Throughout the month of June, we are featuring stories from Aultman Cancer Center patients in honor of cancer survivors everywhere.

Amy Miller's cancer journey is a testament to the importance of early detection and the support of a compassionate healthcare team. From the moment she discovered a lump during a self-exam, Amy took proactive steps to address her health concerns, guided by her own experience with her mother's battle with breast cancer.

Amy's primary care provider, Jessica Witmer, APRN-CNP, at Aultman Orrville Dunlap Family Physicians, played a crucial role in initiating the diagnostic process, which led to further evaluation by Mark Lafferty, M.D., with Aultman General Surgery.

In January 2022, Amy underwent a left breast biopsy at Aultman’s Breast Care Center. Following the procedure, Amy received a personal phone call from Dr. Lafferty. He shared with her a diagnosis of lobular breast cancer with some lymph node metastasis. Together, they reviewed options and created a plan, which included further diagnostic testing.

Following these results, she decided to proceed with a mastectomy in March 2022, followed by a laparoscopic hysterectomy, 16 chemotherapy treatments and five weeks of daily radiation that ended in October 2022.

Throughout her treatment, Amy experienced the roller coaster of emotions that often accompany a cancer diagnosis, but she found comfort in the kindness and support of her caregivers at the Breast Care Center. “Each one of my many caregivers provided compassionate care,” Amy said. “It is the small things that make the biggest difference.”

From the biopsy to the mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and beyond, Amy's resilience and determination shone through. Even while undergoing intensive treatment, she remained committed to her work, supported by her family and employers.

Amy finished her breast reconstructive surgery and had her port removed in early 2024. Because her tumor was hormone positive, she will continue taking oral medication twice a day, projected to finish the two-year course of treatment in November 2024.

Amy's story is a reminder of the power of self-advocacy and the importance of trusting one's instincts when it comes to health concerns. “Cancer is scary, but you know your body better than anyone,” Amy said. “Trust yourself and seek care early.”

When reflecting on her cancer journey, Amy credits her swift action, positive mindset and compassionate healthcare team for her journey to recovery. She extends her gratitude to the entire team at the Aultman Cancer Center and indicates personal thanks to her care providers, Dr. Lafferty; Shayda Mirhaidari, M.D.; Sunitha Vemulapalli, M.D.; Jessica Wobb, M.D.; and Occupational Therapist Jessica Arney from the Lymphedema Care Clinic.

To Amy, it is the small gestures of kindness shown by her care team that truly made a difference in her cancer treatment. “Surrounding myself with a caregiving team that had my best interest at heart is the reason I am here today,” Amy said.

To support cancer patients in their treatment journey, consider a gift to Aultman’s CancerCare Fund. This fund assists patients with expenses such as transportation, groceries, prescription assistance and medical supplies. One hundred percent of donations to the CancerCare Fund go directly to cancer patients, to alleviate the burden of other costs often incurred during treatment.