Stories of Survival: Renton Farmers Insurance Agent Found Strength in Family, Colleagues, Other Survivors

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story of surviving breast cancer! I was diagnosed 2 years ago just after my 48th birthday. I had been getting mamograms yearly since turning 40 and nothing was showing on the last one I had earlier that year. I discovered my cancer because of a bloody discharge I was having from one of my nipples. After the 2nd lumpectomy found a 3.7 cm area of cancer just below my nipple I decided to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

Since the cancer had not spread and my lymph nodes were not involved I did not need to have radiation or chemotherapy. I am so thankful for the wonderful doctors who took care of me, my colleagues who stepped up to take care of my Insurance Agency during my recovery, my family, and most of all the women that I talked to who had been through this who shared their stories with me to help me get through such a difficult time. This journey has made me a stronger person and given me an appreciation for life that is indescribable, I now know what it means to live every day like it is your last!

—Kathy Dixon - Farmers Insurance Agent - Renton, WA

Are you a survivor, currently fighting the disease, or supporting someone with cancer? We want to tell your story! If you'd like to share, please contact Editor Greg Johnston at Greg.Johnston@patch.com. If you also have a photo we could use, please attach it to your email.