Students and teachers welcomed a familiar face back to the high school today after a semester-long absence.
Tyrone health and wellness teacher Teresa Myers made her return to the classroom today after completing an important step of her journey against breast cancer.
After receiving the diagnosis the day after her birthday on May 28th, 2024, Myers initially went through a lot of emotions, including shock, anger, and fear.
“Honestly, since I was adamant about getting my mammogram checkups. I was angry, shocked, and scared of what the future might look like,” Myers said.
However, after experiencing these emotions of despair, Myers was able to channel her thoughts into a positive mindset, and quickly developed a plan.
“[At first] I kept asking myself ‘Why me,’ but I turned that into ‘Why not me’ and it helped me deal with the uncertainty of what may lay ahead,” said Myers.
One thing that helped her to cope the most was seeking advice from others who had been down the same road.
“I started asking them questions about what they went through,” Myers said. “it was extremely helpful. I quickly found out, though, that everyone’s journey is different, and I just had to move forward and do the best I could by listening to the cues my body was telling me.”
Myers had surgery to remove the tumor in July and began chemotherapy in August.
The first phase of chemotherapy was rough due to the side effects.
The strong medication caused nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. However, the second phase, a change in medicine eased these symptoms.
“Being sick and losing my hair was devastating,” Myers said. “Having very little hair makes me insecure, but I’m hopeful once the chemotherapy medicine leaves my body, it will grow back quickly.”
According to Myers, the hardest part is hopefully behind her.
“After chemotherapy, I will need to do radiation on the area where the cancer was found. This, as well as the hormone therapy, will happen later in the school year and summer months. Overall, the journey so far had its ups and downs. I was not sick all the time, I did have bad days, but I also had good ones,” Myers said.
Myers said that her faith is what ultimately helped her to cope, and accept any outcomes.
“When I started feeling sorry for myself, and doubtful I could not go on with the treatment, God put me back on a better path. I read my bible app and a devotional daily, to keep me from having negative thoughts creep into my mind. It’s very easy to think negatively when you have cancer,” Myers said.
Myers’s biggest worry is keeping up with the demands of the job and the pace of the school year.
Myers said that the chemo has sapped some of her stamina and it will take her time to get it back.
Social studies teacher Tracy Redinger is Myers’ classroom neighbor. She has been keeping in touch with Myers frequently throughout the months she has been in treatment and recovery.
“I am very excited to have Mrs. Myers back, We’ve been counting down the weeks,” said Redinger.
Myers said that one of the biggest challenges of returning to school will be balancing work and radiation treatments.
“I will be dealing with the long-term side effects of chemotherapy. Good nutrition, rest, a positive attitude, love from family, and the company of students and friends will undoubtedly be my best medicine,” said Myers.
Junior Anna Myers, the daughter of Mrs. Myers, is also looking forward to her mom’s return.
“I know a lot of students rely on her for emotional support and I’m happy those kids get to have her back for it,” said Anna.
With the help of these students, Myers hopes that the transition will be a piece of cake.
“The students can help me make the transition easier. Be good. Be kind. Don’t act disrespectfully to each other, myself, or other adults in the building. Keep the classroom clean and organized. Appreciate and be grateful for our wonderful school,” said Myers.
