Patient Stories
When Tami Speten was recognized as the DAM Cancer Honoree during the February 27, 2026 Oregon State Gymnastics meet, she stood before a crowd she has been a part of her entire life.
Tami moved to Corvallis as a newborn and has been a Beaver fan ever since. Growing up, she spent countless hours cheering on Oregon State basketball, football, and gymnastics. Today, that Beaver tradition continues in her own family. Her daughter and son-in-law are Oregon State alumni, and two of her children are following the same path.
Being honored at Gill Coliseum was a special moment, but for Tami, it was about something much bigger than recognition. It was an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage others to stay current with screenings, and remind people facing cancer that they are not alone.
"Share your story," Tami says. "I promise you it is powerful." 
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In November 2024, Tami was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast, the most common type of breast cancer.
The news was heartbreaking but not entirely unexpected. "I had never missed a mammogram. I was never even late scheduling them," she said. "That's how paranoid I was."
Even before receiving the diagnosis, she sensed something was wrong. "I remember calling my husband on the way home and saying, 'I have it. I know I have breast cancer.'" There was no lump that she could feel. The cancer was located deep against her chest wall. What followed was a series of biopsies, appointments, and difficult discussions as doctors worked to determine the best treatment plan.
By the time she met with her breast surgical oncologist at Oregon Surgical Wellness (OSW), Tami said she felt overwhelmed with fear.
"[The breast surgical oncologist] showed us a picture of my breast and used a highlighter to show us the areas that needed to be removed," Tami recalled. "She said, 'I can't save it. There would be nothing left.'"
Tami knew she had a difficult decision to make.
After seeing the fear in her husband and children's eyes, she decided to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy. "I never wanted my family to live through this nightmare again if I could help prevent it."
Specialized Breast Cancer Care at OSW
Oregon Surgical Wellness is the breast surgical division of Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI), providing specialized surgical care for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and other breast health concerns.
Founded by Dr. Christine Kollmorgen and Dr. Winnie Henderson, OSW has long been dedicated to helping patients navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives with expertise and compassion. While Dr. Kollmorgen retired in the spring of 2026, her legacy continues through the experienced team of breast surgical oncologists now leading the practice: Dr. Winnie Henderson, Dr. Teisha Shiozaki, and Dr. Sara Cartwright.
A Long Recovery and New Perspective
In February 2025, Tami underwent surgery and began recovery. Because her cancer was detected early, she has not required chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Today, she continues maintenance therapy and works through the challenges that come with long-term treatment.
The road has not always been easy. During her recovery, she developed a serious infection that led to sepsis and an eight-day hospitalization. Despite the setbacks, she remained focused on what mattered most: getting back home to the people she loves.
Through it all, Tami kept setting goals. One of those goals was walking her daughter down the aisle. "My daughter moved up her wedding date to make sure I was here to walk her down the aisle," she said. "And I fought hard to be here for that. It was one of the best days of my life." When new complications developed later that year, she focused on another goal. "I just kept telling myself I would do anything I needed to do to be able to be home with my family for Christmas."
She made it.
Today, those milestones continue to motivate her. "My youngest child is 12. All my kids need their Mom. My Dad is 87. He needs his daughter. My husband needs his wife. I want to be here for every single one of them."
Turning Her Experience into Awareness
Tami has become deeply passionate about breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Her experience reinforced something she hopes others take seriously: regular screenings save lives. Even though she never felt a lump and had no obvious symptoms, routine mammograms helped detect her cancer early enough to avoid chemotherapy and radiation.
That message is one she was proud to share as WVCI's DAM Cancer Honoree at Oregon State Gymnastics.
Breast cancer affects thousands of women and families every year. By sharing her own story, Tami hopes more people will schedule their screenings, ask questions, and seek care without delay. "Grab onto hope with both hands and hold on," she said. "Find your people. Don't be afraid to reach out. Together we are stronger than cancer."
Looking Forward with Hope
Although cancer remains part of her story, it no longer defines it.
Instead, Tami focuses on her family, her future, and using her experience to encourage others. Whether she's cheering on the Beavers, celebrating milestones with loved ones, or sharing her breast cancer journey, she continues to demonstrate the resilience and determination that carried her through treatment.
Tami Speten’s message is simple but powerful: early detection matters, support matters, and hope matters.
If you are due for a mammogram or have concerns about your breast health, talk with your healthcare provider about screening options. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against breast cancer.
