Pink Shoe Diaries-A Photo Interview with Tina

Our journey through the pages of the pink shoe diaries turns today to Tina Griffith. She is a dedicated employee of Norton Children’s Hospital, where she has served for 23 years. She doesn’t have children of her own, but anyone who knows her knows that she adores her niece, who will be 19 this year. She loves to travel internationally and takes a trip to explore the world every year.  She has had many great travel experiences, but her favorite place to visit is Jamaica, YEA MON!

The amazing Tina is big on God, family, and friends.

Tell us about your journey with breast cancer.

I was diagnosed at the age of 38 in December 2011. I found a lump in my left breast from a self-breast exam. I did not go to the doctor for two weeks because I already had an appointment with my Gyn and did not want to pay double co-pay.

He did not think it was anything BUT sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound just to be safe.

I went the Monday after Thanksgiving by myself thinking it would be ok, but it was not. The first person I called was my mother than my father. I opted to do a lumpectomy because of what was needed to come out! Then on December 6th, 2011 I heard the words that no woman wants to hear. ” You have breast cancer!” I had multiple surgeries in 2012 and was diagnosed with Stage 2 A ( which means early-stage and clean lymph nodes). I did not have to do any chemo or radiation, THANK YOU JESUS!!! I only had to do one pill a day for 7 years. I actually took the last one in April 2019!!!

What did you learn about yourself, others, and the world throughout this journey?

The one thing that I learned about myself is that my FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD grew very strong! My support system is the BOMB.com-they were by my side every step of the way. Also, my family and friends’ lives changed just as well.

What advice would you give someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer?

The advice that I would give and do give, is to lean on God and trust him.

It’s okay to cry and be in the valley, BUT DO NOT stay there too long.

That crying is good for the soul and support groups are great to go to.

Also, remember to be your own advocate.

Thank you, Tina for sharing your story with us. I am praying for you and will be waiting for your call to plan that next international vacation (after COVID, of course)!