Through mammography, biopsies and lumpectomies I was diagnosed in May of 2012 with Stage 0 Breast Cancer. I have been going for mammography since I was 40, that was 10 years ago. Calcifications were on my recent films that were not there before. Treatment: 6 weeks of radiation treatment to my left breast and tamoxifin, which I've yet to begin. Currently I have pneumonia (radiation pneumonitis) and a burn on my left lung as a direct result of the radiation. It's all good though. Today I am cancer free.

Tomorrow is our local Relay for Life. I went last year in support of my friend MaryLou who has Stage 4 breast cancer (she's the organizer this year - warrior status). I am hopeful that I can take my survivor lap with both MaryLou and my friend, Rachael, who has supported me throughout this journey. Her Dad, Joe, lost his battle with brain cancer last May and despite all she went through - she is with me every step of the way.

Once you receive your diagnosis, acceptance, placing your life in God's hands, and support from family and friends will pull you through. Eat organically. Do Yoga. Let stress fall by the wayside. Let go of fear. Rest. I am a Reiki Master and believe in healing. You can fight and you can win. There is life after life, and there is life after breast cancer. I am proud to be a cancer survivor and to be a part of this sisterhood. Your body is listening to what's going on in your brain and your emotions. Think healing thoughts. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself. Do not give up. It can be frightening. Life is frightening but we are all in this together.

I hope my story inspires you to make a mammography appointment today. My doctor said she would carry me on her keychain as I am so very lucky. Won't you make your appointment today? God heal us all. Love, Maria Lynn.