39 years old, and I lost my mom just 30 days before my diagnosis. Fibroids, they said......its nothing to worry about, but did the mammogram anyway, which led to the ultrasound. The next thing I know, the Radiologist is telling me that they can't be sure, and the surgeon was waiting to do the biopsies. Atypical cells. I knew. As a chemotherapy Infusion nurse, I KNEW. Still struggling with the emotion of losing my mom, I now faced surgery and chemo. My son left for Marine Corps boot camp, and I left for the hospital. 8 surgeries, and chemo is now done, and I am 7 years cansur free. Neuropathy, pain, weak bones, weak joints, chronic nausea, and abdominal pain is now my life, thanks to those three little words, "you have cancer". People I thought were my friends quickly disappeared, but I faced it all, head on. My daughter was my strength, and still is. My son served his country, while wearing a pink bracelet, and anything else he could display in my honor. I still face more surgeries, and the hospital has become my second home, but I am grateful for the love that surrounds me, and the blessings that arrive often. Its a path I wouldn't want to wish on anyone, but I am most definitely a better person because of it.

Gail Lashley
Mount Vernon, OH