Cancer Tested Their Resolve. Friendship Helped Them Through

FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth colleagues Christal Miller and Laura Rasor first connected through their shared work to improve patient experience. When both received cancer diagnoses last year, they leaned on one another, turning a workplace connection into a powerful bond of resilience and friendship.

Miller,B.S.N., R.N., PCCN, is the manager of the progressive care unit 3. Rasor, B.B.A., is the patient access director for Texas Health Southwest, Texas Health Hospital Clearfork, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville. Texas Health Clearfork is part of Texas Health Southwest.

They were diagnosed with cancer while serving on the Texas Health Southwest Patient and Family Experience Committee. Despite having different cancer types and treatment paths, they describe themselves as "partners" in their journeys.

"This has taken our relationship to a whole new level," Miller said. "Just having someone who understands what I'm going through means everything. There's a comfort in not having to explain it, and it's made such a difference to have that kind of support beside me."

In moments of fear - such as receiving the latest test results or thinking about worst-case scenarios - they have each other. They also lean on each other when they feel lonely - another side effect of cancer, they said.

"I have an amazing husband who takes such good care of me," Rasor said. "I've got children who are understanding. I have a great work family. But still, some days, I weep in the loneliness."

Miller said she, too, struggles with feelings of isolation.

"I didn't realize how big my support system was until I shared my diagnosis," Miller said. "Even then, there are parts of this journey you have to face on your own."

When they were both most vulnerable, they turned to another Texas Health Southwest colleague for support.

Jill Coleman Chilcoat, M.D., diagnostic radiologist and medical director of the Virginia Clay Dorman Breast Care Center at Texas Health Southwest, answered their questions while also being a source of comfort.

"Having people support you in this frightening time can give you the confidence you need to face the unknown," Chilcoat said.

Miller was diagnosed with a rare breast sarcoma (malignant phyllodes tumor) that makes up less than 1% of breast cancer cases.

"We had been watching it in mammograms. It had biopsied negative," Miller said. "It changed last year. It started growing out of control. Looking back, I downplayed it. I kept saying I'd get it checked after summer."

After surgery and radiation, Miller is getting routine scans to make sure no additional cancer appears.

Rasor, who is fighting thyroid and breast cancer, underwent a double mastectomy and continues chemotherapy treatments, which will be followed by radiation.

The friends joke about how easily their conversations move from laughter to tears.

"I am fortunate to work in a hospital with great leadership and great peers, including Christal," Rasor said, her voice starting to crack. "There's something special about this connection. I'm going to cry again."

Resources:

For more information about the hospital's imaging and women's services, visit Texas Health Southwest. Find a provider, schedule nearby care, reserve urgent care or access a video visit with Texas Health Connect.