I'm a Survivor: Susan Potts {Breast Cancer Awareness}

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are featuring one of our customers and breast cancer survivor, Susan Smith. Susan took time out of her busy schedule to share her story and show off our newest styles for the season.

My name is Susan Smith and I'm 46 years old. I live in Johnston City and have been a hairdresser for 25 years.

On December 31st, I had a routine mammogram and it never occurred to me that I could be diagnosed with cancer. After my mammogram, I was notified that there was a spot of concern and had a biopsy to determine if it was cancerous. On January 17th, 2013, I received the call from my doctor  saying my biopsy came back positive. I always heard of women being diagnosed but never thought it would be me . So when I went for my mammogram  that was the farthest thing from my mind .

When I received that call, I had to have her repeat herself. I could not believe what I was hearing . Then all kinds of emotions kicked in . How to tell my children was number one. Then I just thought " WHY ME? " After it sinking in,  I thought "Why not me? I'm not any better than any other woman. I CAN DO THIS!" I also felt God put me in this situation to be there for the next person so I can help them thru their journey. And I have had several women I have helped along the way.

I was stage 1 and it had not went into my lymph nodes.With that being said, because of the type of cancer it was, I had to do 4 strong rounds of chemo and then Herceptin treatment for a solid year every three weeks. I then had 33 radiation treatments .

My advice is to please, please, please get your mammograms!!  Also do self exams. Breast cancer is on the rise. Every 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed.

My advice to anyone battling this cancer is to stay positive, stay strong and only surround yourself with positive people. Make sure you have a good support team . Attitude makes a huge difference in healing .

Your life can change in a minute. I stay very proactive with my health.  I can honestly say I'm so very proud to be a survivor. I hope people can look at me and say I can get through this just like she did. I keep a smile on my face no matter what.  I fight like a girl!