I thought this might put a smile on everyone's face. I got an e mail from someone wanting to let me know, that Steve Wallace
was on the Sports Radio 790 the Zone, the tuesday before Christmas. He was talking about Bo Jackson, and explaining what kind
of person he was, and told the story Of Tammy. Her name isn't mentioned, but we ALL know who it is.... And to Steve, who failed
to mention himself coming over to see her too, we ALL know you were there too ! We got pictures ! And yes, ask her husband,
that was one of the happiest days of her life. Her husband said he asked her for a few days after that, " now WHO came over
here to see you ?" And she would just smile so big .. no words were needed.
Thank you to Matt Edgar, program director Of Sports Zone. It took you less than a day after I called you to get this interview
for me to put on this website ! You are amazing.
These last 2 years have gone by so quickly. I can't believe we lost her 2 years ago already. She is gone, but I can tell
you, she will never be forgotten. I was so happy to hear so many people talk about her and remember her today. I miss her
every single day. And I know I am not alone in that. If you didn't know her, read this site . It gives a small glimpse into
the person she was. If you have questions, ask. If I don't know the answer, I am sure I know someone who does. She was an
inspiration to so many, and still is. She lost her battle with cervical cancer. But a little piece of her resides in all of
us who love her.
Love you, miss you ....
You are loved and missed by all .....
" Our loss on earth, is Heavens gain."
My friend Tammy , passed away October 28th 2007. She was only 38 . She had everything going for her . She was well educated
. She was a Doctor . She was a wife . She was a best friend to many . She wanted to be a mother . She wanted that more than
anything else in the world . When she found out she had cervical cancer , it is because they were trying to have a baby .
They couldn't figure out why she couldn't get pregnant . Then they found out why . She had cervical cancer . She
fought long , and she fought hard , and I feel confident no one has ever fought a more dignified battle than she . She never
complained once to me . Rarely cried . Never said why me .
The HPV virus can cause cervical cancer . If you find out early , that you have the virus , there are things the Dr's
can do to prevent it turning into this horrible beast . Please get checked .
Pam
Below, an e- mail from Tammy dated May 10, 2007
Hi everyone!
We continue to hurry up and wait. My pathology results aren't ready today,
and Dr. Horowitz doesn't think they will be back before tomorrow. We had a good
meeting with him though, and as always, I continue to be enormously grateful
that my care is in his capable and compassionate hands (thanks, Susan :)) We
have tough days ahead, no matter what the biopsy shows. If the cancer is not in
the lymph nodes, he plans to schedule surgery ASAP and follow-up with aggressive
chemotherapy. With that we can hope for a 25-40% chance for long term survival
(with cancer that means 5 years). Unfortunately with this chemotherapy I will
lose my hair (take note, Sue--time to go shopping for wigs!) and it will be
right in the middle of football season--you all know how I feel about that!!
But, it is a chance at life, and I will take it and be grateful for it. If the
cancer is in the lymph nodes, we are not going to do surgery. We will do
chemotherapy and a little radiation and keep the wolf
away from the door as long as possible. Through it all I am going to remain
positive, and I insist that all of you do as well. No pity. We all believe in
a God that is bigger than this Beast, and He will provide. I love you all---so
very much. Please keep praying and reminding Him that you'd like to have me
around for a while!
Tam
Below, an e mail from Tammy dated June 07, 2007
Good morning everyone!
I am sorry that I have been out of touch for so long, and I thank all of you
for continuing to be so supportive, even though I have not been very responsive.
I love you all so much--so VERY much, and you will just never understand how
much you enrich my life, and how much easier you are making this for me.
Ok, so I'm finally feeling better!! That kidney thing was awful. I felt so
bad last week, and really didn't start feeling better until about Monday. The
kidneys are now being extremely cooperative, they are draining beautifully, and
we are very hopeful that at the recheck appointment the tubes will be able to
come out and internal stints can go in. I will have to admit that I will kinda
miss the pee bags. They definitely have their merit!!! I can make it almost
through the night now without getting up. I know that's kinda gross, but it's
true, and there always has to be a silver lining, you know.
Round one of chemo is over and so far, so good. Dr. Horowitz is very
optimistic (how unlike him!!). He says the statistics are looking very
promising for this chemo regimen. I thought that we were just trying to kill
all of the cells that may be hiding somewhere in my lymph nodes, lungs,etc., but
he says no. He is actually hoping that this will kill the beast as well, and we
won't even have to have surgery!! Praise God!! Would that not be the most
awesome thing EVER? I am just feeling so blessed and so positive right now.
This is it; I just know it is. God is hearing all our prayers, and I am the
lucky one receiving the benefits. Don't stop praying! But now I am beginning
to thank him for the work he has already begun. So far I have felt really good,
but now is when the side effects may start. Nausea may be starting in the next
day or two, and bone marrow suppression should be starting probably early next
week; so there may be some tougher days ahead. It's ok, we'll
get through this just like we did last time, with one exception, and that is
that I'm not going to push myself. If I feel really bad, I'm going to lay down
or go home. I am going to be nowhere near a sick person, and I am not wrestling
dogs-big or small. And if anything starts to upset me or stress me out, I am
not going to walk away from it. I am going to deal with it. If it can't be
fixed simply I am going to find someone who will fix it for me--Margene, Val, I
don't really care. If it still doesn't get fixed, I will go home until it is.
It has finally occurred to me that I have cancer, and only one thing matters,
and that is getting well. You
can't get well when you are stressed.
Loving having my mom here!! We are having such a great time together! Going
to try and go for manicure and pedicure today. I'm trying to convince her to
make homemade cinnamon rolls to bring in to work tomorrow. You just can't
believe how good those things are.
Alright, you all. I am going to go take a shower. My nurse comes today to
check on me, and I want to have an awesome shower before she changes my
bandages. Got to go to Emory for bloodwork today sometime. Juliet, can I still
bring the dogs in tomorrow? Yvonne, I think you need to work tomorrow, and
Tania, it's time to come back--you don't need the police station--I miss you.
Andy, when is that baby coming, and where is she registered? Babies-R-Us? See
you tomorrow!!
Love you! Tam
February 20th 2008
I am going to put a letter below that David gave me from Tammy . It's titled "Our Journey" This is a letter she wrote
in her own hand to David's boss some time ago. It's not a letter that was finished by her . At the point she stopped it ,
she was waiting for her next step in treatment .
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot
cripple love It cannot shatter hope It cannot corrode faith It cannot destroy peace It cannot kill friendship It
cannot suppress memories It cannot silence courage It cannot invade the soul It cannot steal eternal life It cannot
conquer the spirit
Thought I would add this picture . Jeb had to have surgery on his leg a couple months ago . You all know how much Tammy
LOVED her Jeb , I thought it was cute , even though Jeb had to stay confined at the emergency clinic after his surgery , David
didn't want him to be alone , so he came over and slept with him to keep him company . Cute .
Our Angel on earth is now our Angel in heaven. God Bless her, and until we see her again, may she stay in
our hearts and greet us at heavens gates .
Tammy is an Auburn graduate ! There's NEVER anything more important on her list than Auburn football ! WAR
EAGLE !
Just to let you know , a few people have asked how long this site will be up ? The answer is , you have nothing to worry
about , this site is staying up as long as the company doesn't go out of business , and as long as I am around . This site
was built on Love for Tammy by all of us . I can't let it go . It means so much to me to come here and read all the new things
people write . And I know it will slow down eventually , as life moves forward . But the purpose of this site was 2 fold ,
I promised Tammy I would never forget her . This is my way to thank her for all she has done ,and all she is doing through
us .And also to help raise money and find a cure for this beast .
As soon as I find out new things about our event next year , I will post it here . There will be an event every year
in October . There will also always be a $5 horse .
When we become a foundation , I will post it here . That is the goal . And I will obtain it , I promised her I would
.
Thank you so much .
Please keep your stories , poems and pictures coming .
