Terrell Cleare

Five-and-a-half years ago, Terrell Cleare was married, the mother of two and led a busy life working in the insurance industry. However, life was suddenly interrupted for the then 42-year-old and she was thrown into what she described as a “medical vortex.” Stage 3 colon cancer was totally unexpected.

It was July of 2012. Her symptoms were initially not alarming; in fact, she was told it was “Just hemorrhoids.” However, the symptoms got worse and a subsequent visit to the Accident and Emergency department of the hospital resulted in a referral to have a colonoscopy done.

“After having the colonoscopy, I realized I wasn’t leaving the doctor’s office. All of the other patients had left, except me. I became frightened at first but never once did I think it was cancer…when I heard the heart-stopping words, ‘It’s cancer,’ it was devastating. I was ready to give up on everything, but I had to be strong and know that God was in control,” said the soft-spoken Terrell.

“I was in complete shock. The tears just flowed. The only thoughts I had was, ‘I will not see my kids grow up, go to college, have a good career, get married etc… I prayed and left it all in the hands of God,” she stated.

Terrell was informed that she would need to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, the most heartbreaking news was learning that the tumor had grown so large over the years that removing it might result in not having enough colon to work with. The result may have been using a colostomy bag for the rest of her life.Fortunately for Terrell, after a nine-hour surgery, there was no need for that bag.

Terrell had to learn how to use the bathroom again, she went through 12 rounds of chemotherapy in addition to having to endure radiation. She lost her taste buds, couldn’t eat, vomited often, had no energy to walk and lost over 50 lbs. Moreover, the aftereffects of the radiation caused multiple burns which became infected.

“This was the most painful experience of my life. I had to be rushed back to the hospital. I was ready to give up again but when I thought about my beautiful family and how far God had brought me, I got the strength and kept my faith, realizing that God was, and is, my healer and didn’t bring me this far to give up. I endured all the pain and regained my strength and my faith, and I made it through,” said the trooper.

In 2018, Terrell had a third colonoscopy performed. The results were excellent, she said. Moving forward, she will have a colon screen done every two years.

Since the diagnosis, Terrell has been educating people about early testingvia The Nassau Guardian’s Lifestyle section and on Peace 107.5 FM.

“I also remind people to remain positive andthat it is not a death sentence; it’s a battle that you can overcome through faith, prayers, support and belief in the Almighty,” she stated.

Although known for her timidity, Terrell said this experience brought out her faith in God.

“Throughout it al,l I have gained a stronger faith and belief in knowing that through God all things are possible. My beautiful kids Angel, who graduated from high school with honors and is now in college and my son Amarion, who is now in grade five, my husband Craig, my mom, sister, family and friends – especially my close friend Mrs. Johnson who is also a cancer survivor and reminded me that this trial was just a test and not to give up – they all played a huge role in my recoveryand were extremely supportive. Had they not been there for me, I probably might have given up. All praise and glory to God. He never left my side,” she concluded.