Terri Shaffer: Battling Breast Cancer with Resilience
Terri Shaffer, Clinical Services, Field Product Specialist with Hologic, shares her journey of fighting breast cancer multiple times with unwavering strength and hope.
Terri Shaffer was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer in 2008 during a routine mammogram. This was shortly after the installation of a new Selenia system, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and advanced technology in early detection.
Terri was diagnosed three times in two years with two different types of breast cancer. The third diagnosis was a recurrence of the first, involving 22 of 29 positive lymph nodes, which necessitated chemotherapy and radiation therapies.
We talked to her about her experience.
What Kept You Going?
"My support team, laughter, and the hope of living long enough to meet my future grandchildren kept me going. Now, I have five grandchildren! The possibility of seeing their faces and being part of their lives was a powerful motivator."
General Advice to Other Women
"Don’t skip your mammogram. We often prioritize others over ourselves, but we must take care of the caregiver first. It's crucial to put your health first so you can continue to be there for your loved ones."
Advice to Those Diagnosed:
"Stay positive and surround yourself with positive people, avoiding the negative ones.
"Focus on healing and listen to your body. Your body will tell you what it needs, and it's important to pay attention.
"Find a medical team you trust, do thorough research, and make decisions that give you peace of mind. It's essential to make choices that allow you to sleep at night without second-guessing yourself."
Additional Insights
"I refer to my cancer diagnosis as a blessing in disguise. It has allowed me to help many other women through their own diagnoses, encouraging them to find their inner strength. Walking them through their battles and supporting them has been incredibly fulfilling."