10/13/2025
💗 Breast Cancer Survivor Spotlight: Tammie Brock, Dining Services Manager of Harborview Rome
In September 2014, a routine breast exam changed everything for Tammie. What doctors found was a hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumor, a type of breast cancer most common in pre-menopausal women. Genetic testing later revealed she carries a BRCA gene mutation, increasing her risk for breast and ovarian cancer but also strengthening her resolve to fight. For the past 11 years, Tammie’s treatment plan has remained the same with an oral chemotherapy pill she’ll likely take indefinitely, along with MRIs every six months and annual mammograms. Thankfully, she’s had no issues or concerns since her diagnosis!
For Tammie, the hardest part wasn’t the treatments — it was staying strong for those around her, especially her children. She says, “I didn’t want them to have to suffer with me,” she shares. “I tried to keep things as normal as possible and appear as strong as possible.”
Her father often told her she was the kind of person who believed that if you didn’t talk about something, it wasn’t really happening — “like keeping your head in the sand.” Tammie admits there’s truth in that, but not because she was in denial. “I knew the cancer existed,” she says, “but I wasn’t going to dwell on it and let it take complete hold of me.”
What helped her most through it all was her faith — and her family. “My faith and fighting for my children and especially my grandchildren kept me going. I live for them. I am determined to be here.” When asked what advice she’d give to someone who’s worried they may have breast cancer or has just been diagnosed, Tammie’s answer is full of wisdom and urgency: “Jump on it right away. Don’t ignore it. There are so many treatment options today especially if caught early.”
And her message to everyone is one we can all hold close to heart: “Live every day like it’s your last. Love everyone and be kind. If you are faced with breast cancer, just know you can make it!” 💖
