Patient Stories

Meet Laurey Miller, a native Floridian, moved to Venice, Florida approximately five years ago where she proudly works as the Assistant Director of Operations/Marketing for a franchise of 126 Pizza Huts.Her boss is Ben Miller of Ben Miller & Associates (www.benmillerassociates.com).  

She smiles proudly as she mentions that her boss is also her father who has been in the food service industry for over 50 years. Ben Miller retired just this past year at the age of 87.

Laurey also beams as she discusses her nineteen year old son, Chad, and her upcoming wedding anniversary to Bob Pierce, – an anniversary she now can enjoy with peace of mind knowing the sore she felt in her throat is not something to be overly concerned about it.

Earlier in the year, Laurey had surgery on her throat.  “I was so worried.  I guess I was sort of putting it off,” she says.  “I had surgery on my throat and issues with my thyroid.  So when they found a growth the size of an orange, I was scared.  I couldn’t swallow very well,” she adds.

Since the surgery, Laurey was doing better, but still having difficultly swallowing. She was concerned about the results of the surgery.   Then one day Laurey just happened to be working at home when she saw Michael Douglas on Oprah.  He was discussing the importance of being screened for head and neck cancer and suggested the website, www.headandneckorg, Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. After viewing the website, she learned Tampa Bay Cancer Center was partnering with Alliance and offering a free head and neck cancer screening in Zephyrhills, FL on May 12, 2011.  Laurey immediately made an appointment.

On May 12th, Laurey Miller drove all the way from Venice, FL to Zephyrhills, FL and was screened by Cornelius Turalba, MD.  After the screening, he gave her the good news.  “It’s just a bruise on your voice box that hasn’t healed yet,” he said, smiling.  “Just a bruise.”

Laurey says that she was so impressed with the calm and easy environment at the Center.  She was relieved that Dr. Turalba took so much time with her, showed her photographs and took time to answer questions.   “He even offered to review the pathology report with me,” she says.

“My husband will be so happy to hear the good news.”  She smiles again as she talks about their path together.  “We were together 10 years and then separated for 18 years,” she says quietly.  “After all that time, we got back together.”   We cannot wait to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary on July 4th.”

“We’ll have a lot to celebrate…so much to be grateful for.”