Our Patients Say it Best

Three Types of Cancer, One Positive Attitude - Tim Miller

When Baroda resident, Tim Miller, first started noticing problems with his speech, he wasn’t that concerned. But over the course of several months, it went from a minor problem to the point where he had trouble communicating clearly to his family and coworkers. 

“In my head, everything I said sounded perfect,” shared Tim. “But no one else around me could understand it.” 

One afternoon, that problem came to a head. After sitting and talking with his son-in-law for several minutes, his son-in-law told Tim that he hadn’t understood anything he had been saying. 

“We jumped in the truck and headed to the emergency department,” said Tim. 

After several different tests were performed, Tim soon learned the results. He had a brain tumor. A few days later, doctors performed surgery to remove a softball-sized tumor from his head.  

Tim had several small tumors on the other side of his brain that could not be operated on. He was also diagnosed with lung and skin cancer. 

“After the tumor was removed, I underwent radiation for the smaller tumors,” said Tim.  

Radiation oncologist, Benjamin Gielda, MD, oversaw his treatment for the brain tumors.  

“Everything about Dr. Gielda is fantastic, from how he interacts with patients to how he explains the treatment,” shared Tim. “He’s very good at what he does.” 

Tim also worked closely with his oncologist who treated his lung and skin cancer. 

“She is fantastic in how she handles herself and how she talks with patients,” he said. “All of the staff at the [Corewell Health] Marie Yeager Cancer Center are very compassionate, caring, and polite.” 

Through a team effort by radiation oncology and immunotherapy, Tim was able to overcome lung, skin, and brain cancer.  

Looking back on his experience battling three types of cancer at the same time, Tim credits a positive attitude as one of the most important parts of his survival. 

“Do not give up. That’s the main thing,” emphasized Tim. “It’s extremely important to have a positive attitude. Every day I wake up it’s a wonderful day no matter what happens. I’m just thankful for every day I have.” 

The Corewell Health Marie Yeager Cancer Center makes it possible for patients and their families to go to just one facility for the majority of their cancer care needs, including a highly qualified team of cancer specialists and state-of-the-art technology for cancer detection and treatment, all in an environment designed to promote health and healing. Learn more at spectrumhealthlakeland.org/marieyeagercancercenter