A Breast Cancer Survivor Faces New Challenges

It's the fourth of the month which means it's time to call your buddy as a reminder to do a self breast exam. It's also time for this month's buddy check report.

Last month we introduced you to Traverse City breast cancer survivor Teri Brown.

At only 38 years old she needed a double mastectomy.

But that was only the beginning of her cancer journey.

7&4's Diana Fairbanks continues Teri's story in tonight's Buddy Check Report.

After a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Teri Brown just wanted to spend some time in her garden, but her curiosity prompted her to dig a little deeper into researching her cancer.

She discovered a small link between breast cancer and colon cancer. Since her father had passed away from colon cancer, Teri asked her doctors if she could be tested. Her fears were confirmed.

Teri Brown says, "two years after my breast cancer I got colon cancer and had to have some of my colon removed."

Now as a two time cancer survivor, Teri didn't want to leave anything to chance.

Brown says, "I need to figure out why this is happening and two of my sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer by then so something was going on in our family so I opted for genetic testing."

That's when Teri learned she has one small gene that carries a big warning.

Brown says "I learned I have the braca 2 which leads to breast cancer, colon cancer and possibly ovarian cancer. I shared it with my family. This gene I have, you probably have it too. There are 8 in my family, brothers and sisters, and with 3 having cancer the possibility of more out there is strong so I shared it."

Sharing the news was only the first step. Teri then needed to decide how she should use the information, and she chose action.

Brown says, "I also went the next step knowing ovarian cancer was the next cancer I was slotted for so I called the doctor and had a complete hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer is too much of a mystery. Diagnosis is not quick enough for a cure and it scared me so I had a complete hysterectomy."

A bold move, but for Teri, a clear decision.

She says, "I had some family members say "why are you doing this? You're alive, you're well, why are you doing this?" And I needed to know."

Because Teri has this rare gene, she is a candidate for a breast MRI. We've told you about the technology in previous buddy check reports. We're happy to report Teri has had her first breast MRI and had great results.