Faces of Survival: Sue Lotspeich

FAMILY: Husband, Billy Lotspeich; daughter Michelle Prince; stepsons Paul and David Lotspeich; three grandchildren in the Augusta area: Casey Prince, and Gene and Lacie Lotspeich; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in Ohio; mother, Louise Morgan; sister, Linda Talbert.

OCCUPATION: Homemaker

DIAGNOSED: June 22, 2004

WHAT HELPED: My mother and two of her sisters are breast cancer survivors -- my mother for 34 years. My husband, Billy, is also a cancer survivor, having been treated twice, so I have had lots of family support. You have to rely on family, faith and friends and trust your doctors.

OUTLOOK: I see all my family that are survivors and I know I have a long life ahead.

ADVICE: Make sure you do your self-exams and have mammograms. Each day is a gift, so live it to the fullest. Remember you are not alone.

PERSONAL: I never ask "why me?" I am no better than anyone else. You just have to take it one day at a time. It really makes you change your priorities. Your health, family and faith are the most important things in life. I believe if you come through this, you can make it through anything.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH