Photos Harbin Clinic
A family history
For Tammie McConnell, a lifelong Rome resident and dedicated Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) employee, ringing the bell almost a year ago in November marked more than the end of breast cancer treatment. It was a celebration of resilience and the power of community.
Tammie has spent over 30 years helping families through DFCS, earning a reputation as a community connector. “If I can’t find it, I’ll find somebody who can help,” she said with a laugh.
After losing her mom to breast cancer in 2013, she has kept up with her mammograms consistently. In 2018, she experienced a scare with a benign tumor and began twice-yearly screenings. Then, when her nurse practitioner retired, the
schedule slipped her mind.
“I realized I hadn’t had my mammogram, so I called and made an appointment,” said Tammie.
After her mammogram at Atrium Health Floyd Medical The Breast Center in August of 2024, she got the call: abnormal results. “They asked when I could come back,” said Tammie. “And I replied, ‘Tomorrow?’ Once there, I also needed a biopsy and wanted to do it right then. They were able to get it all done the same day.”
By Aug.14, Tammie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Receiving the news, she remembers crying in her car and asking God, “Why me?” Then, she says it hit her, “Why not me?” She called two devoted prayer partners right away, who came and met her in the parking lot.
“We prayed right then and there,” said Tammie. “I gave the situation to God.”
A week later, she met Harbin Clinic surgeon Dr. Paul Brock Sr. for more details. “We have good news. It’s small. We can take it out with surgery,” he said.
Tammie told Brock she had a trip to Miami planned and asked if she could still go.
“I went and had a ball,” said Tammie. “It fueled my determination to beat it.” She wanted to enjoy herself and wait to share the news with friends and family until after she returned.
Another, more difficult, journey
When she arrived home from her trip, she went in for her lumpectomy and stayed home from work for two weeks. “Staying home was the hardest part!” said Tammie. “I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
From there, she began radiation but was able to easily go back to work. “The hardest part of radiation was getting there by 8 a.m.,” she joked, “It was only 20 sessions, each just 15 minutes.”
Her care team included Harbin Clinic oncologist Dr. Melissa Dillmon, who prescribed a five-year oral medication to reduce recurrence risk. “The medicine can impact your bones, so I’m exercising and eating better,” Tammie said.
A community pillar receives support
Tammie kept her diagnosis mostly private at first, but when she finally shared, her community was there for the woman who had consistently served so many others for years.
“Friends brought groceries, sent flowers and even money. My advice for people diagnosed with cancer? Accept the help. It’s hard when you’re used to being independent, but you will need a village,” said Tammie.
Tammie’s joy and sense of humor also entertained the care team at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center. She famously asked the front desk, “Now when do I get to be on a billboard?” every time she came for radiation.
On Nov. 15, 2024, just four months after her diagnosis, Tammie rang the bell, marking her final treatment. To her surprise, a peer in her Cancer Navigators group had called in a professional photographer for her celebration.
“I loved it. My family was so happy. It was a great day,” said Tammie.
Life after cancer
Post-treatment, Tammie dove into support programs like Vital Grace and Livestrong at the YMCA and stayed connected with those she had met through Cancer Navigators at the Cancer Center. She is doing everything she can to live life to the fullest. She admits that the hardest part is the unknown.
“I try not to think about recurrence,” said Tammie. “My friends remind me to stay in today.” Next up on her bucket list? A trip to Turks and Caicos. “I really enjoy life,” she said with a smile. “I’m a lot of fun.”
Tammie said she is grateful that she could receive all the care she needed close to home.
“People think they have to go to Atlanta sometimes, but everything I needed was right here,” she said. “Dr. Brock and his team, the radiation teammates, the cancer navigators — they were all phenomenal.”
“Cancer care is truly a team effort,” said Brock. “From detection to treatment and survivorship, every specialist plays an important role.”
Dillmon agreed, “We’re all working toward the same goal of helping our patients live full, healthy lives beyond cancer.”
This October, let Tammie’s story be an inspiration and a motivation to schedule a mammogram. Visit Atrium Health Floyd’s Breast Center or Harbin Clinic Cancer Center online to learn more about cancer support services.
Segrest also describes the touching solidarity of the city. “At 7 pm everyone leans out of their windows and cheers, banging pots and pans. They are cheering for the healthcare workers. They are cheering for each other. Then an hour later the city stops. There is a silence for all those we lost.”
With so much still uncertain in both New York City and Rome Georgia one thing is for certain- Rebecca Segrest is undoubtedly a hero.
To be continued…..
