Breast cancer survivor Teri Johnson has taken the phrase "everything happens for a reason" to heart. And as practice manager for Nashville-based Tennessee Breast Specialists, Teri feels fortunate that she is able to share her story – giving purpose to her own breast cancer experience by helping others through theirs.

"My mother was just 51 when she died of breast cancer," says Teri. "Her experience was what gave me the fight to insist on getting the tests I needed."

Teri had suffered from fibrous lumps in her breasts since she was 15 and was an advocate of self-breast exams. But because she had lost her mom at such a young age and because she had two young children of her own, Teri educated herself on the disease – particularly on prevention and early detection. She insisted on getting a mammogram, even though she was just 29 at the time.

The mammogram was able to detect ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a form of breast cancer that forms in the milk ducts and can only be detected with a mammogram. She credits her breast surgeon, Dr. Laura Lawson, with providing a thorough and honest review of her treatment options.

"We discussed chemotherapy, radiation and mastectomy," said Teri, adding that the risk of a recurrence with a bilateral mastectomy was only about 5 percent as opposed to 15 to 20 percent with chemo or radiation. For Teri, the choice was clear.

"With a 10-year-old son and 3 year-old daughter at home, I knew I needed to choose the option that would give me my greatest chance for survival." Throughout her diagnosis, surgery and treatment, Teri says she was honest and open with both of her children. And, she says, it's given her tremendous insight in being able to help other families facing a similar situation.

"A breast cancer diagnosis doesn't just affect the patient," says Teri. "Husbands will feel helpless and often react with anger, and it can be especially terrifying to the children."

Three years post-surgery, Teri is cancer free. She is a woman who leads by example: an advocate and a role model for surviving breast cancer. In her role as practice manager, Teri feels fortunate that she can share her story as a way to help others through the process.

"It's amazing to me to be able to tell my story and see the look in their eyes when I say, 'I'm a survivor.' It gives them hope and helps them understand what they need to do to fight and beat their cancer. My mother showed me the importance of having a positive attitude," says Teri. "I learned so much from her experience. In a way, she saved my life and I'm grateful to be able to share her story and mine so that others can benefit from our experience."