Rose Teresa Santos
I am a Survivor! My name is Rose Teresa Santos. I am the oldest of 10 children born to Daniel and Teresa Santos. I am a native of New Haven, Connecticut. I retired from St Raphael Hospital after working for 30 years as nurse’s assistant in the Operating Room.
My journey began in July 1995 when I went for my yearly physical and mammogram. A lump was discovered in my right breast. I was devastated when I first learned of my diagnosis. My thoughts immediately went to my sister Frances Jackson who lost her battle to cancer in 1993. I know that God hasn’t given me the spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind. However, when faced with your own mortality, you have to fight not to let fear overwhelm you.
I had a lumpectomy on August 2, 1995. I received seven weeks of radiation treatments and took Tamoxifen for five years. I have been cancer free for eight years and to God be the glory.
I thank God for Dr. Ponn and my family and friends who helped, loved, and supported me during my journey. I especially want to thank my sister Betty Lewis for her love and support and my dear friend, June Pierce, a cancer survivor herself.
After going through my journey, I was able to encourage and support my baby sister, Joan Kelley, who recently went through her own battle with breast cancer.
I want to encourage all my “sisters” to make sure you have your yearly exams and mammograms. It was a lifesaver for me and it can be for you, too!
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