SALLY TERPSMA
Sally Terpsma’s husband of 42 years died less than a year after his mesothelioma diagnosis. In many ways, she became his primary caretaker, nurse, and cheerleader.

Sally Terpsma, originally from west Michigan, was jostled into the support role by an unwelcome visitor: cancer. As her husband Pete battled cancer throughout 2016, she cared for his every need until he passed away at home in April 2017. Pete was the primary provider for 41 of their 42 years of marriage.

Terpsma says that something came over her when Pete became ill. “It was a mode where I would do anything I could to make Pete better,” she says. She kept a journal of every doctor Pete saw to streamline communication between hospitals.

Being Pete’s primary caretaker kept Terpsma busy. She had to learn how to manage the family finances and how to drive a boat. “I had to learn how to be in the club that both my husband and I joined before he died,” she says. “It’s all on me now.”

Pete and I would always try to look at the positives in life, even in the worst of times.

Pete’s last year was spent in their Florida beach house. “It was a blessing that we were in Florida accompanied by our nurse-navigator neighbor who became our friend,” she says. “Imagine if we were battling this in the midst of a Chicago winter.”

Now, her beach days consist of eagerly collecting eye-catching sea shells, stones, and pieces of driftwood for her artistic DIY crafts. And she has this to share with fellow caregivers: “If I were to give advice to someone in this situation, I would say to be patient with yourself, try to stay positive, and to take one day at a time.”

More
articles

ALCOHOL AND CANCER
Breast Cancer

Sobering Up

When you’re used to kicking back with a drink to unwind, choosing to abstain from alcohol isn’t easy. But for some warriors, it’s worth the sacrifice if it means lessening the risk of recurrence.

Read More »
MESOTHELIOMA TURKEY
Ask the Doctor

Rare Cancers, Rarer Discoveries

Research in two small villages in the Cappadocia region of Turkey led to one of the most important discoveries in the fight against the rare cancer mesothelioma. Now, one of the lead researchers shares his story.

Read More »
mRNA
Innovations & Research

Forging a Future

The research behind the mRNA-based vaccines used to minimize severe COVID-19 cases has another potential use—fighting cancer.

Read More »
NICOLE BULLOCK
(Y)our Stories

Making It Through

Lymphoma warrior Nicole Bullock reflects on how faith and hope got her through cancer and put her on a new, more enriching path in life.

Read More »