‘Tis the season to be grateful, and that’s one thing Charlisa Herriott definitely is – both because she’s cancer-free as well as for the support she’s received from the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center.
Charlisa was originally diagnosed with thymoma, a rare cancer that develops in the thymus, in 2007. After treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, she was able to beat the disease twice. So, it was devastating when the cancer reappeared for a third time shortly after she moved to Greenville in 2021.
“Treatment wasn’t as clear cut this time because chemo was no longer an option, I’d already had radiation twice before and surgery may have resulted in a negative impact on my quality of life,” Charlisa explains. “Just waiting and trying to determine the right course of treatment was a lot.”
Luckily, some of the services offered at the St. Francis Cancer Center were just what Charlisa needed to get through those trying times.
“They offered a behavioral health support group and different types of artistic engagements with survivors and thrivers and fighters,” she shares. “That was very therapeutic for me and helped me through the process. That and having the behavioral health clinician so conveniently accessible to help process all this information I was hearing were key in ensuring I didn’t fall into a state of depression.
She adds, “I’m a therapist by profession, and I knew what I needed, but I couldn’t counsel myself. I needed someone there, and that’s where Bon Secours really helped me.”
It wasn’t just about the emotional support, either. Our ministry’s ‘Wigged Out Wednesday’ program helped Charlisa embrace a look-good, feel-good approach as well.
“The wigs really helped me along the way, boosting my self-esteem and helping me put a smile on my face despite the physical pain I may have been feeling,” she recalls.
The power of positivity prevailed and by some miracle, Charlisa’s scans cleared up on their own before additional treatment was needed.
“It’s my faith and my belief that I was supernaturally healed by the Lord.”
Now, Charlisa is back to being cancer-free, only going to the St. Francis Cancer Center for regular scans to ensure she stays that way. However, she’s hoping to spend more time there in the future, supporting others who are facing a similar battle.
“Bon Secours St. Francis helped me along the journey, giving me hope even when I felt at times there was no hope,” she shares. “Now, I’m in a position where I can volunteer to come in and offer support to others. I’m a cancer survivorship coach already, but I’d love to connect with the fighters and thrivers who are currently coming through to help them process the journey.”
This holiday season, we are celebrating by spreading the good news! Read more grateful stories, like this one, that feature our team members, patients and the wonderful communities we are blessed to serve.
Also, learn more about the cancer care and oncology services we provide at Bon Secours.
