“Don’t Give Up”: Shannon’s Journey Through Breast Cancer with The Elliot by Her Side

A Routine Visit That Changed Everything 

In early 2024, Shannon Croteau made a choice many women can relate to—she decided to skip her annual mammogram. “I hate them, like most women do,” she confessed. But while Shannon put off this critical screening, she didn’t miss her annual physical exam.  

During her routine exam, Dr. Andrea Galasso at Elliot Internal Medine at Londonderry performed a breast exam. “As Dr. Galasso was doing the breast exam, she asked me if I ever do self-exams. I said no, I don’t. Even when I’ve tried, I don’t know what I’m looking for,” Shannon recalled. Dr. Galasso then told Shannon she felt something unusual and immediately referred Shannon to The Elliot Breast Health Center for additional screenings.  

Shannon recalls the day she walked into The Breast Health Center for her follow-up mammogram and ultrasound. She said as the scan moved away from her chest and extended into her armpit, she quickly knew something wasn’t right. “I’ve had a breast ultrasound before, and they’ve never done that. In my head I knew what this meant.” A biopsy confirmed it: stage 1 breast cancer in Shannon’s right breast. 

Personalized Cancer Care at The Elliot 

In spring 2024, Shannon underwent surgery to remove the affected lymph node, but her journey didn’t end there. Her care team at The Elliot Cancer Center recommended further testing to determine the likelihood of Shannon’s cancer returning.  

On the day she was scheduled to start radiation therapy, Shannon received the test results showing she was indeed at a higher risk for recurrence. “That completely changed the trajectory of my plan,” she shared. “I had to get four chemo treatments over eight weeks and 20 treatments of radiation after that.”  

Despite the intense treatment schedule, Shannon continued to work and do things she loved. "It was very important for my daughter to see me as a strong woman going through this, knowing that it’s not easy, and there are some days that I was on the phone with her crying, but I wanted her to see the importance of going through this and knowing that while it may be life altering, it’s not life-defining. I didn’t change who I was.” 

Compassionate, Coordinated Support 

Shannon credits her strength to the compassionate care she received at The Elliot. “When I was going through chemotherapy, they were amazing. The nurses, doctors, and anesthesiologists all have a job to do. I’m one of many but when they’re with you, they’re with you. They’re focused on you, and I think that’s one of the things that I really like about The Elliot. It’s the high level of personal care and knowing that they’re part of your team.” 

She also appreciated the seamless, coordinated care across the health system and the convenience of staying close to home. “I live in Hampstead, I work in Manchester, and I see my primary care provider in Londonderry, so it was important to me to stay within the Elliot Health System,” she said. “Everybody’s on the same page and having that continuity (of care) made everything easier.” 

A New Chapter: Giving Back 

In October 2024, Shannon proudly rang the bell at the Cancer Center, celebrating the end of her active treatment. Now in remission, she regularly attends cancer support meetings at The Elliot and volunteers to bring blankets, Tylenol, and candy to help patients feel cared for and supported. 

“This experience changed me in a way that I want to support others and give back,” Shannon said. “If I can help in anyway and just try to make somebody’s day brighter, even if it’s just a hug, then I feel like I’ve done my part.” 

Her message to others facing a cancer diagnosis is simple and powerful: 

“Don’t give up. There are resources and people at The Elliot you can rely on. If you’re having a bad day, pick up the phone. Don’t ever give up. Even when you think it’s too much, don’t give up because The Elliot is not going to give up on you.”  

Learn More 

From routine screening mammograms to diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast conditions, cancer care services and cancer treatment, Elliot Breast Health is proud to provide the expert care you need. 

Visit Elliot Breast Health to learn more about our compassionate, coordinated care.