I went to see my doctor today and I was diagnosed with

[TNNurse]

46. I am a breast cancer survivor.

I remember that first day and those words "this is cancer" very well. It was unexpected and I was frightened. I got through it. You may think you cannot do what is necessary, but you can. You have people who care about you and even though you are scared and you know they are also, you can do this.

I agree with always taking someone with you to appointments. (You will think all you do is see doctors). Take someone with you who can stay calm and listen. My husband went to every appointment. He would say that my eyes would just glaze over and I would not remember everything that was said. Sometimes I would recall them a few days later.

Ask every question you want, write them down before you go. If you do not understand what they are saying, speak up and ask again. No question is dumb or silly if it is about you.

I had surgery, chemo and radiation and it was hard and I was weak during it, but I did it.

It has been five years now. I am 68 years old. Today I went to my Tai Chi class and just walked a little over a mile outside in 80 weather. You can get through this.

Please keep us updated when you feel like it. If you want to ask me or any other cancer survivor questions, we are grateful people did the same for us.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, go get this. Do not put it off.