Living with Cancer: Penny Moeller’s Journey of Hope

Breast cancer survivor Penny Moeller treasures a piece of wisdom from a dear friend, words that helped her navigate one of the hardest seasons of her life. 

“I’m not dying from cancer,” said Penny, who diagnosed was with metastatic breast cancer in 2021. “I’m living with cancer.”

For the 63-year-old Tupelo woman, living with stage IV cancer has meant adjusting to ongoing treatment, advocating for herself and leaning on family, faith and community. She seeks out joy, even when some days are difficult. 

Because Penny’s breast cancer has spread to other parts of her body, it will never be considered cured. Her goal is to live with purpose.

“I want so much to be able to help others” Penny said.

Routine Screening Delayed

Penny stayed consistent with routine screening mammograms until life and the pandemic got in the way. She went from being a little late to very late by December 2020.

Imaging and biopsies revealed primary tumors in both breasts. As Penny and her family prepared for surgery and chemotherapy, a PET scan showed that the cancer had spread to her bones.

“It went from bad to worse,” Penny said. “It was all overwhelming."

Her final diagnosis: Stage IV, hormone-positive breast cancer

A Shifting Treatment Plan

The goal of Penny’s treatment changed from removing the cancer and reducing recurrence risk to controlling the disease and managing symptoms. Her treatment has included targeted therapy, medications to block hormones and strengthen bones and radiation treatment. 

Her hematologist-oncologist Dr Jiahuai Tan and radiation oncologist Dr. Russell Roberts have been wonderful about guiding them through treatment options. The Moellers said they are very glad they stayed with NMHS Cancer Care for treatment.

“I was given the choice to go to MD Anderson (Cancer Center in Houston, Texas),” Penny said. “We opted not to. I don’t feel like I have to go anywhere else.”

Signs of Progress

Although her first year of treatment was filled with anxiety, the results have been encouraging. Scans showed the tumors in her breasts and bones shrinking. The tumor markers in her blood tests dropped. At the five-year mark, Moeller has no detectable disease on imaging scans.

“We know we aren’t going to get rid of it, but we can work to keep it in check,” Penny said. “You can fight this.”

Through her journey, she has maintained a commitment to a healthy lifestyle that supports a strong immune system. 

“We completely changed our eating habits,” Penny said. 

Support Systems

Family and friends have walked with Penny as she faced metastatic cancer. Her husband, Derek, and their four adult children have remained steady sources of support. Their oldest daughter stayed home for six weeks after her diagnosis and kept Penny from distressing online searches. 

Several members of Christ Church in New Albany sang hymns on the Moellers’ front porch to encourage them during the pandemic shutdown. She joined an online support group through Birmingham, Alabama-based Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. 

Faith, Journaling & Letting Go

Dealing with the anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis has been its own journey. When she couldn’t sleep, she would pour out her worries and thoughts in writing. 

“Journaling was huge,” she said. 

Her Christian faith provided comfort and a way to release fear and doubt. 

“We fall down, and He picks us up,” Penny said. 

Advice For Others on the Journey

With nearly six years in the rearview mirror, Penny looks for ways to encourage other cancer survivors. 

“You’ve got to be your own advocate,” Penny said. 

Her advice to friends of cancer survivors is practical: Ask how the person is doing today, reach out consistently, offer help with a specific task and create opportunities for normalcy. Most importantly, walk alongside the person rather than trying to provide answers.

For Penny, living with cancer does not mean ignoring the hard days. It means trusting that joy can still be found on the other side of them.

“Six years of treatment is hard on a body,” Penny said. “I have bad days, but I can find joy again.”