My name is Teresa Poston, and I would like to share my story. I was diagnosed in 1992 with breast cancer. I can tell you this was not part of my life plan. I had a son starting his first year of college and a daughter that was 15 and into everything a high school girl can do. I was working full time, and my husband and I owned a “Mom and Pop” business. To say the least, I definitely was not ready.
Once I received the diagnosis, things happened pretty fast. More biopsies, more surgeries, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and radiation all while trying to be a wife, mother, employee, employer, sister, and daughter. I can tell you it was exhausting. Through the grace of God, lotsof prayer, family and friend support and a wonderful medical team, I can gratefully say I am a 22 year survivor.
Did this change my life? Do I look at things differently? Have my priorities changed? Have I received blessings because of this? Yes is the answer. Would I want to go through this again? Absolutely not, but I can say I am a much better person because of this experience.
In 1992, there were no pink ribbons, accessible Internet, Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen foundation, or other support for allthe breast cancer survivors. It has been wonderfuland encouraging to see the development of this support system.
I am a registered nurse and have been nursing for 42 years. I have seen all of the advances that have been made in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The survival rate is much better and treatment is designed and tailored to meet the individual. That is amazing.
One of the changesin my life occurred in 2011. I was trying to decide if I should retire or continue working. My family suggested I consider opening a boutique for women who have had breast cancer. They knew that I had thought about this for many years since my diagnosis.
I did a lot of research and found there was only a limited selection of mastectomy bras and prosthesis here in Clarksville. Most women were traveling to Nashville to buy their bras and breast forms. I felt strongly that Clarksville was large enough to be able to support this need. I also knew as a RN this would allow me to be a resourcefor providing educational information and resources related to women’s health. I opened my boutique. Teresa’s Perfect Fit in January 2012. Not only has the boutique provided services for ladies with breast cancer, I also have bras for hard to find sizes and wigs for anyone managing hair loss.
Through Teresa’s Perfect Fit, I have met so many women and heard their stories. My life has been forever blessed. This ministry is far better than anything I could have imaged. This is a true story of something great coming out of somethinghorrible. One never knows what path lies ahead; the secret is to be willing to step out in faith.
You can visit Teresa’s Perfect Fit on Highway 42A S in Clarksville, TN or call 931-358-0030 for more information.
