Meet A Survivor: Tammy Ball

My name is Tammy Ball, and I am a 54-year-old wife, mother, and proud grandmother, and most importantly, a four-year breast cancer survivor.

In January 2021, my life changed forever. My husband and I discovered a small lump in my right breast during an intimate moment, something that would later save my life. The very next day, I made an appointment and went in for testing. After a breast MRI, I received the diagnosis that no one ever wants to hear:

Stage 1 Infiltrating (Invasive) Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer, with a Grade 3 tumor.

Hearing those words was terrifying. But I knew I couldn’t give up. I started eight rounds of chemotherapy, determined to fight for my life, my family, and the chance to watch my grandbabies grow up.

After chemo, I made the decision to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. The doctors used tissue from my stomach to rebuild my chest area, a long and emotional recovery, but one I am grateful for every single day.

Even today, I still deal with neuropathy, a reminder of the battle I fought. But when I look at my family, when I hold my grandbabies, I know it was all worth it. On July 19, 2021, I heard the words that changed everything again:

“You’re cancer-free.” 🙌🏽

I thank God every day for giving me another chance at life. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s proof that early detection saves lives and faith carries you through the darkest storms.

To every woman reading this: Listen to your body. Do your self-exams. Get your mammograms. Don’t wait, because your life matters. 💗