For Teresa Stewart of Roseburg, getting regular mammograms has long been part of her medical routine. While she always knew it was a good thing to do, she didn’t imagine her practical approach to staying healthy would one day save her life.
“I’ve always been big on getting regular mammograms,” says Teresa. “So, when I got my annual in October of 2019, I didn’t even think twice about it. The doctor called the next morning and I had an ultra-sound that Friday. They were pretty sure it was cancer. Then we had a biopsy and then right into appointments with the surgeon. I had surgery the week after Thanksgiving. So, from the last weekend of October to the week after Thanksgiving, it all went pretty fast.”
Subsequent testing revealed residual cancer near the margins of the now-removed tumor and a second surgery was scheduled for after Christmas.
“After that, I was put on estrogen blockers and prescribed 20 radiation treatments in February 2020,” shares Teresa.
The staff at Community Cancer Center helped Teresa find the support and peace of mind she needed during treatments.
“I was able to meet with Dr. Gosline at the Cancer Center weekly to check in on issues I was having or to answer any questions I might have,” says Teresa. “I have nothing but praise for the team at the Cancer Center. Everyone is not just professional, but very warm and welcoming. Not that I would want to, but I would do it again with their help. I always felt informed. I really couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
More than a year since starting radiation treatments, Teresa is cancer free and looking forward to giving back to others dealing with the disease through CCC’s Cancer Support Group.
“I’m excited to start as a Patient Mentor helping with CCC’s Cancer Support Group,” says Teresa. “I’ve finished my training and our first meeting is on May 18th. I’m looking forward to helping others have a positive experience as they go through treatment.”
Inspired by the human-to-human, individualized approach to care she’s received, Teresa sees the support group as a way to let others dealing with cancer know they are not alone and that help—and hope—is free for the asking.
“You want to go someplace where you’re not just a number, but a real human with real feelings dealing with this issue,” says Teresa of the CCC team and the support they provide. “They treat you that way.”