A second chance at strength — Terry Griffen reaches milestones in recovery at TriStar Skyline Medical Center

When Terry Griffen arrived at TriStar Skyline Medical Center’s inpatient rehabilitation program, his goal was about more than recovery. He wanted to regain the strength and independence he needed to continue his cancer treatment. 

Terry, a Clarksville resident, had been diagnosed with cancer in February and began chemotherapy. During treatment, he developed serious complications, including difficulty swallowing, aspiration pneumonia and a staph infection. After weeks of illness and treatment, he was too weak to drive, struggled to walk, and needed intensive inpatient rehabilitation. 

At TriStar Skyline, Terry found a team ready to help him take the next step in his recovery. Physical, occupational, speech-language, and respiratory therapists worked together on an individualized rehabilitation plan focused on improving his strength, endurance, mobility, swallowing function, and confidence. 

"When I got to TriStar Skyline, everyone believed I could get better," Terry said. "They gave me hope from day one." 

One of Terry's greatest challenges was swallowing. After developing aspiration pneumonia, he required a feeding tube and worried he might never eat normally again. His speech-language pathologist, Rachel, encouraged him to focus on what was possible.  

"She told me, 'Don't believe that's where you'll stay. Here's where we're going to get you," Terry recalled. "She gave me hope when I needed it most." 

With intensive daily therapy and encouragement from Rachel and therapists Madison and Kaitlyn, Terry progressed from struggling to walk to climbing stairs, strengthening his voice and sharing his first meal again after relying on a feeding tube. 

"It sounds like such a simple thing," said Debbie Griffen, Terry's wife. "But being able to eat again meant everything to us. The team celebrated every milestone right alongside us." 

As Terry's physical strength returned, so did his confidence. 

"They don't always realize the impact they have," Terry said. "Every single day they have the opportunity to change someone's life." 

For Debbie, the compassionate, patient-centered care extended beyond Terry's rehabilitation. 

"They didn't just care for Terry," she said. "They cared for both of us. They encouraged us, answered our questions, and gave us hope during one of the hardest times in our lives. 

Today, Terry continues outpatient therapy as he prepares to resume cancer treatment. Looking back, he says the greatest difference was the people who cared for him. 

"I was overwhelmed by their professionalism, compassion, and sincerity," Terry said. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. That's exactly what they showed us." 

For Terry and Debbie, TriStar Skyline’s inpatient rehabilitation became more than the next step after the hospital. It became the place where Terry regained the strength, confidence and hope he needed for the journey ahead.