Local woman faces cancer for second time in 5 years
Family, co-workers provide support during treatment
Benton resident Lauren Miller is confronting breast cancer for the second time, five years after she had been considered clear of cancer and in full remission. Then, on May 1 of this year, she learned the cancer had returned.
Miller, originally from Hoxie, is a mother of two and works as a retail operations manager and regional security manager at First Security Bank in the Saline County locations.
Her friends and family know Miller for having an encouraging attitude and as a pillar of the community, and as one who gives back by serving as the board president for Habitat for Humanity of Saline County and as chairwoman of the Saline Health Foundation.
Miller is now in her second battle against invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer known to spread to vital organs like the lungs, liver, and bones.
“I’m in the less than 1% of recurrence cases, so lucky me,” Miller said with a laugh.
In her previous encounter with cancer in 2017, Miller saw great results. After six intense chemotherapy treatments, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Rhonda Gentry, Miller’s medical oncologist at CARTI, plays a crucial role in her treatment journey. For this round of treatment, Dr. Gentry
decided to collaborate with MD Anderson Cancer Center, ensuring comprehensive care and support for Miller.
“Dr. Gentry has always treated me as if I was her sister or her mom going through it, what her treatment plan or thoughts on that would be,” said Miller.
“We’re very blessed to have her kind of medical expertise in our community.”
Gentry is also the reason Miller maintained her regular check-ups which allowed her team to find the recurrence quickly and immediately take action.
Facing this recurrence of
breast cancer, Miller is following a similar treatment plan, which includes a lengthy series of “harsh” chemotherapy treatments.
“I use the word ‘harsh’ because it just knocks me out completely,” said Miller. “To the point where there are certain days I can barely walk, my legs are so weak.”
Following the treatments, Miller will undergo her second surgery and bilateral mastectomy on Oct. 20 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Despite the difficulties,
Miller continues with her work at First Security Bank, using her laptop to work remotely
while waiting at CARTI. Miller said her workplace has been a source of support throughout her health journey, with coworkers and customers alike rallying around her during her treatments.
The days can be draining due to the impact of chemotherapy on Miller’s energy levels, leaving her with a constant sense of fatigue. With treatments scheduled every three weeks, she is left with very little time to feel free of the treatment’s effects.
“I have a long road ahead but I’m excited to be moving forward with it. I’m always so so grateful for the support in my community, my family, and my
church,” she said. “And if there is any way people can support me, it’s through prayer.”
The hardest part of all the treatment, Miller said, is missing out on her two boys’ ball games and activities. Her husband and two sons continue to be her pillars of strength, and even on her toughest days, she strives to inspire others with her positive outlook.
“I want to be an encouragement to someone that even on your bad days, you can put a smile on and come and help someone else. Because even as bad as some things are, there’s always someone going through something worse,” she said.