I was diagnosed in 2006. I don’t think it ever occurred to me I would become a statistic. But there I was: “You have breast cancer, Mrs. Canady.”

I was shocked, but I had faith. Whatever would be would be, and I had a lot of people praying for me.

I hated that I would have to tell my family the news. I remember sitting around my kitchen table talking with my children and family friends. My daughter was crying while my son sat with silent tears. I don’t think my husband knew what to think.

I ended up having 35 radiation treatments over seven weeks. If I have any advice to give to women, I would tell them it’s important to get regular mammograms. Catching it early is key.

My treatments ended December 2006. The following year I decided to go into business with my son (Richard “Craig” Canady II). I felt I should embrace my life and all the opportunities that came my way. When my son and I opened Canady’s Landscape & Erosion Control, we were thrilled to spend more time together and make a little money. The company primarily deals with seeding and silt fence. Through the past seven years we have expanded into an all-in-one erosion control operation. My favorite thing about my job is I get to watch my son enjoy it, and I love to talk with our customers and vendors.

Eight years later, I feel like God has been so good to me. I will never use the words “cancer free,” as it can come back any moment.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our children, their spouses and my three grandsons. It helps that we all live on the same road together. My family is my greatest joy and the reason for my stress, worry and gray hairs. But hey, that’s what a being a mother is about.