Survivor Story: Shanecia Terry

My name is Shanecia Terry and I’m a Colon Cancer Survivor of 11 months. I’m also a single mother of an 11 year old name Jaylyn Richardson, and currently an active soldier in the United States Army National Guard. My civilian job is a data entry clerk at a facility name Angiodynamics which is a medical plant that manufactures different medical supplies.

I have no history of cancer in my family. Some of my symptoms were severe Anemia, weight loss, appetite loss, fatigue, bloody stool and irregular blood count. There were many tests and procedures that I under went. MRI, colonoscopy, bone marrow biopsy and different types of blood work, over four blood transfusions.

Emory University Hospital located in Atlanta, Georgia diagnosed me with colon cancer after the second visit and after spending an entire year in Columbus Georgia going back and fourth to the doctor for the symptoms.

Emory University Hospital is ultimately where I received a laparscopic right hemicolectomy.

This has made me realize the importance of living and to never take for granted that you have tomorrow. My friends were all supportive and it help distinguish the difference in the ones who cared and the ones who didn’t.

This is challenging because I am scared and afraid that there always a possibility of the cancer returning, but I have to remember that God has it all in control and I’m thankful for allowing me the years that he has.

To have faith, hope and just remember that nothing is impossible and NEVER give up because you can always be an inspiration to someone. Once I was ready to give up because I was frightened and scared but now ready to live and continue being the Army Strong Soldier I am today!

I am a Cancer Survivor, Army strong Soldier and single mother making a difference, because it can happen to anyone.