In 2010 I was changing my life in a huge way, uprooting my three children and leaving an abusive marriage of 16 years. I was giddy with relief and freedom and found myself buying dresses (completely out of character) and laughing freely. Shortly after I left my home I found myself hugged by a dear friend and felt a spark I would have never had guessed would happen! I took a leap and started dating! Whoa! Divorce finalized quickly and I was scheduled to take care of a lump that I had been concerned about for three years! It never showed up on any imaging, mammo or ultrasound, but finally in September 2010 there is was on ultrasound. Reports said it was benign, the gyn said benign, the surgeon said it's benign- but that she would remove it simply because you could see it just under the nipple. Day after Christmas I went in for my excisional biopsy. I remember being so upset that my nipple pulled to the left! Haha. Results came in on Jan 4th, 2011. Cancer. I had been "dating" for 6 months. I was terrified. I am a single parent, newly divorced, living in my mother house and my savings were now all going to medical bills. I had my second surgery for clean margins within the month and my boyfriend did not let me leave, he took in me and my kids. Unwrapping after that surgery was devastating. I always considered myself independent, hated crying, despised asking for help. In that moment I needed the unconditional love I had never experienced. John gave that and more! Counseling, radiation therapy, nerve damage and an online journal along with family and amazing friends & painting got me through. My last day on radiation fell on Relay For Life, I was a guest speaker. I survived. I love my life more everyday, I have helped others cope with this horrible disease thank to my experience. I fear everyday that it will return; but I will beat it again!

Crystal O'Neil
Trinity, FL