For the past 20 years of my broadcasting career, I told other people’s stories. Today, I think it’s time to tell my own.

In February, I got the call that changed my life: ‘Your biopsy has come back. It is positive for breast cancer.’ CANCER?!? This cannot be real life. I’m only 42-years-old; I have a lot of life left to live!

After the initial shock subsided, I entered some very dark and scary times. Would I be around to see my young daughter grow up? Would the doctors be able to cure me? Why did this happen in the first place? I don’t have any family history, and I don’t have the BRCA gene.

How did I get out of that ‘dark period’ as I call it? I leaned on my faith and the love of my family and friends. I was also surprised by the support of the breast cancer community. I never knew it, but there is a network of women who band together to help the newest members of the club. Strangers called me and texted me. We cried together on the phone. I also watched a lot of stories on social media of women who had the same diagnosis as me. Hearing and watching those women’s stories of survival helped me to have hope. If they can do it, I can do it.

If telling my story can help others, then I’m happy to share and I plan to do so.

So far, I’ve had six chemotherapy treatments of the 16 planned over 20 weeks at Henry Ford Health. It’s not easy by any means, but I am surviving!

Stay tuned for more from me.

Until then, thank you for your prayers and your support.

Jamie