Tammy Kapplinger

Survivor

PA Mom Fights Breast Cancer

Hi there. My name is Tammy Kapplinger. I am a physician associate who works in pediatrics in Cypress, Texas. As a healthcare provider, I am used to treating patients , but not being one. In March of 2021, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma after an abnormal mammogram. After 5 months of chemotherapy, I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I am 2 years post-treatment and doing well. Breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence like it was 30-50 years ago. Modern medicine and technology have come a long way. My girls are now 12 and 14 years old. My goal is to be there when they graduate high school (and college), marry their true love, and have children. Stay positive during your fight too. It is important to have small goals as well as big goals. Rest when you need it. And lean on your friends and family during your fight. If someone says they want to help, let them. If you don’t know what they can do to help, then keep their info on a list to ask for help in the future. I feel that breast cancer is part of my journey for a purpose. I love to help others. I am currently facilitating my Reconstruction of a Survivor Breast Cancer Support group. I have also focused my time on spending it with my family!