Having a Positive Attitude Can Make All of the Difference in Surviving Cancer

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in OctoberOn August 17, 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck Miami.
of 1992, at the age of 37. My life changed that day,The house I was renting was torn apart and I spent
in ways that I wouldn't fully understand until manysix hours in a closet with my little dog and my
years later.insurance policy. When I was finally able to come out
I was living in Miami at the time, a city I had lived inof the closet my world had forever changed. I lost
during my teenage years. I have many friend thereeverything, except for my life. I thanked God every
and thought it would be nice to live and work thereminute for sparing me after such an ordeal.
for a year before returning to California, where I amI was ready to return to California when I became
originally from. I took a job with the Department ofquite ill. After seeing three different doctors I was
Transportation and moved to a house in an areatold that I had breast cancer and would have to
called Cutler Ridge in January of 1992.undergo a radical mastectomy. I was finally able to
On the weekends I saw all of the people that I hadreturn to California in time for Thanksgiving, but the
known since I was twelve years old and first living indoctors were sure that I would not see Christmas.
south Florida. We would go to the beach and spendAgain I asked God to spare my life. I told Him that I
time catching up after all those years. Although I hadhad important work to do for Him, and promised to
regularly visited I had not spent much time in Miamispend the rest of my life making Him proud.
since I had returned to California in 1974.