Survivor Stories

Teresa Ruhl Lancaster, PA

     Teresa Ruhl was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago at age 53 in the midst of taking care of her dying mother. She endured a partial mastectomy and 38 radiation treatments. Here is her incredible story of survival and strength.

     I was 53 and my mom was dying of lung cancer. My nerves were shot so I went to the doctor for a routine physical, including a mammogram. The doctor called me that night with the news. My first thought was, “How am I going to tell my mom I have cancer when she is the one who’s dying?”

     After the diagnosis, I still had to take care of my mom. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to never have time to dwell on myself. I went through the motions and did what the doctors told me to do. My mom died during my radiation treatment.

     Radiation has devastating effects on your body. It kills the good cells along with the bad ones. I developed diabetes as a result of radiation, but I’m still alive!

     During my treatment, an oncology nurse called me at work one day and answered ALL of my questions. She was wonderfully understanding. I truly believe this saved my life and that is why I’m still here today. This one kind act made me realize something: I want to counsel breast cancer patients. I look forward to having more time to get involved with Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition activities and to counsel breast cancer survivors.

     I have managed to keep a positive attitude throughout the whole thing. Yes, I was scared and vulnerable, but I remained upbeat. My best advice for newly diagnosed women is to try to keep that positive attitude and to talk to somebody who’s been through it.

     The best thing to come out of this diagnosis is the camaraderie and friendships that I would not otherwise have made. Things that used to be important don’t matter anymore. You live for TODAY. We all have to play the cards we are dealt; it’s just a matter of how you play them.

     Teresa is a lobbyist for the AFL-CIO and looks forward to getting more involved with the PBCC. Her attitude is remarkable and it was a pleasure to interview her. Thank you, Teresa, for sharing your story.

To profile someone in "Survivor Spotlight", email Heather Hibshman at heather@pabreastcancer.org.