CANCER SURVIVOR, Mossi White...

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What were you diagnosed with? What treatments did you have, and who were your doctors?"

MOSSI: "I was diagnosed with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and Brachey therapy radiation. Dr. McClellan was the radiologist who did the biopsy and gave me the diagnosis. Dr. Tudor is my oncologist and wonderful Dr. Tittensor is the surgeon. Dr. Hayes is the radiation specialist."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

MOSSI: "The cancer diagnosis was described by my one daughter as the most horrible, enormous wreck (as in car wreck). Two of my daughters became acutely afraid of losing me. My entire family was extremely comforting and supportive. I am a very independent person, but all of a sudden my daughters wanted to accompany me to every doctor's appointment. They were wonderful, as were all of my friends. I felt enveloped in a lot of love."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped you get through it?"

MOSSI: "The absolutely hardest thing was not knowing what the right treatment was. I prayed a lot and all of a sudden the pieces fell into place and "the right" doctors came into my life. I have to admit, however, that I still wonder about some of the treatment options that I chose. Cancer is scary."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

MOSSI: "I have always loved life and wanted to live for ever! But now I truly realize how precious and also how fragile life is. I savour every moment."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

MOSSI: "I learned that I had to give up some control and trust the medical experts. That was not easy for me. I also learned that I am stronger than I thought and that my world is filled with loving, caring, wonderful people."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

MOSSI: "I have learned that most of the things I used to worry about are not worth the time or the energy. I will now also drop whatever I am doing and go and "play" with my daughters on a moment's notice. I used to donate my time freely to a lot of causes. Now I am very selective."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "Do you have a favorite book, quote, or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

MOSSI: "Poetess Carol Lynn Pearson wrote a poem about "Trial number five." In it she prays fervently that God will not send her trial number five. Anything, but that one. Then it comes, neatly wrapped and addressed to her. It ends with her thanking God for trial number five, because it taught her that she could handle even that and survive! Cancer is my trial number five."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

MOSSI: "Research all the things you can and then turn it over to the Lord!! Also, find the things that make you laugh!!! Laugh a lot - it really is possible even in this situation. Nightly I watch reruns of comedy shows. I highly recommend it!!"

SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed cancer patient?"

MOSSI: "Be continually reassuring, but don't let cancer define who she is. Just be there when she needs you to talk or simply to hug. Validate her feelings."

SISTER SURVIVORS: "Finish this sentence: "I am a ..."

MOSSI: " I am Mossi - I am a survivor."