DJ Sonique Photo © Dave Hogan/Getty Images

Recording artist, DJ and now breast cancer survivor Sonique has endured two surgeries for breast cancer, and opted to take 5 months of chemotherapy to prevent a recurrence. Although she had planned to release her new single ‘World Of Change’ in July, she will instead recover from surgery and then begin chemo. The energetic and very fit star of the Brit Pop scene said, "I’m basically getting used to the fact that I have to take it easy. It’s a big deal, so it’s going to be quite quiet for a while." Sonique is not looking forward to chemo, but since her cancer had spread beyond her breast to her lymph nodes, it's important that she do the right thing, to free herself of cancer. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life,” she added, “but I’m sure people have had harder things to deal with as well.” Already having overcome homelessness and becoming a self-made star, Sonique has a lot of fight in her. I hope that grit and determination will carry her through the months ahead.

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Kathy Adams Photo © Confident Clothing Company

Kathy Adams is a fitness trainer and a breast cancer survivor. When she turned 50, she was diagnosed with Stage III, Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Because the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, she opted for a double mastectomy. That's when she discovered the discomfort of surgical drains. Most of us who have breast surgery wind up dealing with surgical drains - these grenade-shaped bottles that collect excess lymph fluid after surgery. Surgical drains bobble around your side, near your waist, and generally get in the way. Kathy Adams designed a line of clothing with hidden pockets (that you can later remove) which will carry the drains for you. There are several colors of tops to choose from as well as a variety of sizes. I appreciate the fact that nobody will need to pull these on overhead - raising your arms after breast surgery can be painful and sometimes impossible. Kathy designed these while still in treatment, and her sister Susan Baxter helped bring these to market. Their line, Confident Clothing Company, includes tops, pants, capris and caps made of moisture-wicking fabric that keep you cool and stylish, even if a hot flash grabs you at the wrong moment! Kathy Adams is now a 3-year breast cancer survivor and still works as a fitness coach. "I really wanted to help other women go through the journey more easily than I did," said Adams. "That's really important to me." I'm glad she did something about it!

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Jerri Neilsen Photo © Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald died Tuesday, June 23, 2009 of metastatic breast cancer. Jerri Nielsen was the doctor at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in 1999, who discovered her own breast lump, performed her own breast biopsy, and gave herself chemotherapy while trapped by perilous weather in Antarctica. In 2002, she wrote about her experience in "Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole."

Dr. Jerri Nielsen became a motivational speaker, raising awareness about breast cancer as she traveled around the globe. Her cancer was in remission until 2005, when it spread to her liver and bones. Despite this, Dr. Nielsen kept on giving speeches and traveling worldwide to educate others about cancer.

In October 2008, the cancer metastasized to her brain. Despite this, Jerri Nielsen kept up her speaking schedule until March 2009. She lived to be 57 years old, and passed away at home in Southwick, Massachusetts. Dr. Nielsen is survived by her husband, Tom FitzGerald, and her parents, two brothers, and three children.

Speaking of Jerri Nielsen, her husband said, "She fought bravely, she was able to make the best of what life and circumstance gave her, and she had the most resilience I have ever seen in anyone. She fought hard and she fought valiantly." I like this quote from a speech that Jerri Nielsen gave in 2001 in Salem, Ohio: "People are all that really matter. ... You can be in a real hole, a horrible place, and if you have wonderful people, it doesn't matter." She did not live her life focused on cancer, nor let herself be defined by the disease - her experience of Antarctica made a great impact on her, and made her grateful for each day. Jerri Nielsen said, "The only thing that matters is: Did you live? Do you really live? Did you make a choice?"

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Sonique Photo © Dave Hogan/Getty Images

Sonique, the BRIT-award winning singer and DJ, is going back in the operating room for another lumpectomy. Her first operation for breast cancer was done only a week after it's discovery. Only 40 years old, Sonique, whose real name is Sonia Clark, must have more cancer removed. Her lymph nodes were found to contain cancer, so there is a possibility of metastasis. Because of her lymph node status, Sonique faces several months of chemotherapy. It is not yet known where else her cancer may have spread, but since she is wasting no time in getting treatment for it, I hope she has a good chance at beating this. Sonique had planned to release a new single and tour Europe this summer, but with extra surgery and possible chemo, her plans are now on hold. As a young woman, she faces the prospect of aggressive breast cancer - and as a black women, she is at increased risk for Triple Negative breast cancer. I'm no celebrity, but I remember wanting all the privacy I could get about my diagnosis and treatment. Sonique is a public figure, and will have a hard time getting privacy during her treatment. Let's hope her fans will be supportive and respectful as she battles this disease.

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