Liora's Story: A Year in the Life of a Breast Cancer Survivor

Liora Hess

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By Liora Hess and Chee Gates

One month after her 39th birthday, Liora Hess, a bright, spirited medical editor from Atlanta, Georgia, faced the unimaginable: breast cancer. Rather than remain anonymous, Liora chose to document her experience -- the good, the bad, and the ugly -- in a collection of pictures that we're sharing with you. Watch her yearlong transformation right here.

May: Finding the Lump

On May 11, 2007, while drying off after a shower, my left hand landed on a very hard mass directly above my right nipple. It was unlike anything I'd felt before. I immediately had a sinking feeling and thought, This is not good. I need to get checked out ASAP! At the time, I didn't have a regular ob-gyn, so I had to wait until the next month to see a new doctor and schedule a mammogram. I purchased these beautiful earrings to help get my mind off of things.

Next: June: A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words