SEATTLE, Wash. — Five years ago KIRO 7 morning anchor Michelle Millman was diagnosed with breast cancer.
In a split second her life as a mother, wife and journalist now included a fight for her life.
The physical demand was grueling. The emotional toll was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Thankfully for her, she had a close group of family, friends and co-workers who helped will her through the process.
She won the fight.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and SeattleInsider caught up with Millman to hear more about the journey and her continued dedication to provide support to others affected by breast cancer in our community.
SI: Five years ago you were diagnosed with breast cancer. Describe your journey and emotions as you learned of the diagnosis, endured the treatment and came out on the other end a breast cancer survivor.
Millman: My breast cancer journey started five years ago.I couldn't believe it when I found a lump on my right breast. Unreal. From there I went to appointment after appointment finding myself in disbelief.It all became incredibly real after the biopsies, CT Scan, lumpectomy and ultimately a mastectomy. I stayed strong because of the awesome support of my family – and it now seems like it was just a bad dream.I came out stronger and with an incredible desire to tell other women who hear the words "you have breast cancer" that they will come out on the other side, too! I tell them we are more than just boobs and hair.
SI: What was the most difficult part about your fight?
Millman: The most difficult part of my diagnosis was my husband and I telling our two boys, who were just 8 and 10 at the time, that their mom had breast cancer and it was serious. Surgery, chemo, no hair, radiation. All of it. I was so scared for THEM. We told them, "it will be okay" but to be honest I REALLY didn't know that at the time.
SI: What surprised you the most about your fight?
Millman: What surprised me the most was how incredibly awesome my family, friends and co-workers are! I am so blessed to have such great people in my life; from deliveries of meals and magazines to my best friend going with me to try on prosthetic "boobs" at Nordstrom. And the emails from strangers – who told me they were praying for me, thinking about me and wanted me to know I was *their* inspiration.I couldn't believe it. All of the people in my life were MY inspiration.
SI: What advice would you offer someone who has recently been diagnosed?
Millman: I tell women diagnosed to do what they feel is best but get all the information they can. Take someone with you to every appointment so they can take notes because they won't remember much of what the doctor says to them. Lean on others and say "yes" when a neighbor or friend asks if they can make you dinner. Also, take care of yourself. If you have a difficult time saying no – now is a good time to learn. (I'm still working on that one).
SI: What’s the status of your health now?
Millman: I get blood drawn every six months and see my oncologist to go over the results. He told me the last two visits that my blood is "eerily normal" which of course made me ask, "Is that bad?!" It used to be that if you get to five years from diagnosis you are considered "cancer free" -- unfortunately my doc says the latest studies/research shows you have to get to 10 years out then you're considered cancer free. It's in my head a lot but nearly not the amount it was just a year ago.
SI: This video shows your husband and his fellow firefighters all shaving their heads alongside you. Walk us through this day in history.
Millman: I will never forget the day dozens of Everett firefighters (and two KIRO 7 photographers) shaved their head for me. I had already cut my long hair short so my boys would get used to seeing mom with "shorter" hair and my hair was already falling out. As guys got off shift or started their shift by coming out into the station bay to sit down and have their head shaved, I found myself speechless. Some had pretty long hair and hair they really "admired" – by doing this for me to show their support and to help raise breast cancer awareness means more than I can ever say. I still thank them when I see them! When my husband shaved my head it was surreal but somehow "freeing" – I was ready for battle, and ready to go where sadly, so many women had been before me. I felt like a warrior. And a survivor.