💕 Kathy’s Story

In the Beginning

“Hearing the words ‘you have breast cancer’ is a heart-stopper.”

I remember feeling completely numb. How could this happen to me? I tried to live right, do good, and be honest, but I discovered that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. It has no rhyme or reason.  

At first, I struggled to come to grips with it.  Why me?  Then I discovered Support groups.  These small gatherings were a great resource because they allowed me to learn from other survivor’s perspectives just when I needed it most.

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In the Thick of It

My doctors told me I’d need it all: surgery, radiation, infused chemotherapy, and years of oral chemo.

There wasn’t a magic formula. I simply put one foot in front of the other and focused on the next appointment, the next treatment, and the next day.   What else could I do?  I had to remain strong for my two children and for my employees too.  So I reminded myself every day:

"This is just a bump in the road of life. I will get through this."

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The Conclusion

After five years, I finally heard the words I’d been praying for:

“You’re cancer-free.”

But I’ve never forgotten those first few weeks. The waiting. The uncertainty. The fear of not knowing what came next. I was terrified. But I also discovered something unexpected: hope can come from people who have already walked the path before me.

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🌷 What I Learned

1. Early detection saves lives.  It often means less invasive treatment, breast preservation, and faster recovery.

2. Annual mammograms are non-negotiable.   Skipping just one year is taking a risk that’s simply not worth it.

And ladies — mammograms really don’t hurt! They’re quick, easy, and can absolutely save your life.

Please, don’t skip them. Put a mammogram on your calendar. Every. Single. Year.

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💪 A New Chapter

After 22 years, I had to face breast cancer again in October 2025. Doctors said it was a completely new diagnosis, unrelated to the first.

This time, I was more prepared, more informed, and more thankful. During my annual mammogram, a talented radiologist noticed something incredibly small—so small it truly was like finding a needle in a haystack. That tiny finding changed everything. Because it was caught so early, my treatment was dramatically different than it had been 22 years before.

That’s the power of annual mammograms — they detect cancer when it’s small and most treatable.

So here I am, still fighting the fight again and feeling gratitude for modern medicine and the support of my family, friends and my Colony AC team.

Please encourage your loved ones to schedule their annual mammogram and do monthly self-exams.

From experience — it can save a life.

If sharing my story convinces even one person to schedule a mammogram they had thought about skipping, then telling it has been worth it.

Breast Cancer survivor