My motto is and will forever be, "one day at a time". My doctor called me and told me it was stage 2 breast cancer. When you hear those words, you freak. I had a double mastectomy 5 weeks later, with a DIEP flap reconstruction (they used my lower belly fat to make me new boobs). I went back to work after 2 weeks. Started 6 chemos in October which I think, was the worst part. Every time after receiving chemo, I programmed my mind to think, if I could just make it through this day, tomorrow will be better. Sometimes I would think, if I can make it through the next minute, the next will be better. It worked! The minute/day motto helped me. A staph infection opened up my boob on Christmas Day and I eventually wore a "wound vac" for six months to close my breast. Had radiation for 6 weeks, then finally could start to heal my body with no chemicals and lots of rest. For me, I am stronger now emotionally. I look at things differently now. The sunny days, the rainy days, I see and enjoy each one of them in a different light. Even if you are alone, you can survive this! To keep my positive attitude, I would think to myself, "there's someone out there who has it worse than me". I am lucky to be alive! You will eventually look back and it will all be a blur. Believe in yourself, keep your mind strong, and rest your body!

Sarah J.
New Braunfels, TX