The power of purpose
As many of you know, my passion is helping others become Better Than Before—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I believe that even our most difficult challenges can reveal strengths we never knew we had, and that sometimes, the hardest journeys lead us to discover a deeper purpose. Flower Miller’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring power of hope, and the extraordinary things we can do when we turn our own struggles into a way of helping others.
Diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at 41, Flower has been cancer-free for more than 12 years. Today, she shares her story and supports other women facing the disease. Her journey reminds us that even when life changes in ways we never expected, we can find strength and hope.
Flower is a devoted wife and mother of three daughters. Born and raised in Venice, California, she still lives there with her husband, surrounded by friends they’ve known since their twenties. At 41, she experienced bloating, abdominal pressure, lower back pain, and irregular periods—symptoms she initially attributed to everyday life. After her diagnosis, she learned that her family history of breast and gynecologic cancers, along with a BRCA1 mutation, put her at higher risk.
Flower now mentors women navigating ovarian cancer and partners with GSK’s Our Way Forward campaign, which offers support and resources for people living with gynecologic cancers and their caregivers.
I recently spoke with her about her diagnosis, treatment, advocacy, and what she wants other women to know:
JWM: Tell me about life before your diagnosis. What kept you busy?
FM: I was 41, with three daughters—one was 10, and the twins were 6. I was a stay-at-home mom, volunteering at school and taking the girls to activities, the beach, museums, and the aquarium. I was always on the go!
JWM: What symptoms did you experience, and what led you to see a doctor?
FM: At first, the symptoms were vague. I was tired, got full after a few bites, had stomachaches, just generally felt off, and was getting up at night to pee. I thought it was because I was busy, or drinking a lot of water. Three months before my diagnosis, I had a normal Pap smear. I later learned that Pap smears do not screen for ovarian cancer. The symptom that finally brought me to the doctor was bloating. My belly became extended and hard, like a pregnancy belly. I took pregnancy tests, which were negative, and knew something was wrong.
JWM: What was the process of getting diagnosed?
FM: My general practitioner thought my bloating and stomachaches might be irritable bowel syndrome. Before I left, she ordered a transvaginal ultrasound just to rule anything out. It looked suspicious, so she wanted an immediate CT scan. It showed ovarian cancer that had spread to several organs. I was diagnosed at stage 3C/4 and referred to a gynecologic oncologist.
JWM: How familiar were you with ovarian cancer?
FM: I wasn’t familiar with it at all, even though ovarian cancer had taken several women in my family. I discovered I had the BRCA1 mutation during treatment. Cancer wasn’t openly discussed in my mother’s generation. After my diagnosis, we made it an important, open conversation.
JWM: Where did you find support?
FM: My husband, David, was my rock. Family and friends also showed up in every way—keeping our fridge full, helping with the kids and housework, and supporting us through a difficult time. I also joined support groups and connected with other survivors.
JWM: How was your cancer treated, and what role did you play in decisions?
FM: I had surgery to remove my reproductive organs and as much of the cancer as possible, followed by three months of weekly chemotherapy. After another surgery to remove the remaining tumors, I had three more months of chemo. I went into remission the day before Thanksgiving. Then I joined a clinical trial for maintenance therapy. My care team and I made decisions together, and they welcomed my questions and input.
JWM: Looking back, would you do anything differently?
FM: I’ve been cancer-free for more than 12 years without recurrence. I don’t think I’d do anything differently. It’s worked out pretty well so far!
JWM: How has life changed since then?
FM: Cancer transformed me. I advocate for myself and my family without fear. I move through life with more confidence and purpose and try to absorb every wonderful moment. I’m proud to share my story, advocate for women with ovarian cancer, and spread awareness.
JWM: Why did you become a spokesperson for GSK’s Our Way Forward?
FM: I’ve been involved in advocacy for about 10 years, speaking, fundraising, and supporting women in treatment. I was excited to join Our Way Forward because we share a goal: raising awareness and helping people find information and resources.
JWM: Where can readers find more information?
FM: Visit OurWayForward.com or find them on Instagram at @OurWayForward.GSK.
JWM: What would you say to someone newly diagnosed?
FM: First, I would listen. A diagnosis is terrifying, and talking to someone who’s been through it can help. I’d remind her she’s not alone. There’s hope in new treatments, clinical trials, and the women who are ready to support her. I’m still here, thriving more than 12 years after a stage 3C/4 diagnosis.
JWM: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Flower. Your story reminds us that being Better Than Before doesn’t mean hardship leaves us untouched. It means finding strength in the moments we thought might break us, making meaning from what we’ve lived through, and reaching back so someone else doesn’t have to face it alone. More than a decade later, you’re still doing just that—living fully, sharing hope, and reminding others that a diagnosis may change your story, but it doesn’t get to write the ending.
