There was a period in Roberta Jones’ life when she was hesitant to buy green bananas.

“A comedian once said, ‘I’m so old, I don’t buy green bananas,’” said Jones. “When faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer, I found a similar hesitation to allow myself to believe I could confidently plan for years of life ahead.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Jones believes it’s important to share her story so others may learn about prevention, early detection, and never giving up the fight for life.

In November 1999, Jones’ life was good. Her daughters were healthy and involved in college, while she and her husband were growing accustomed to having an empty nest.

“As a registered nurse executive leader, my professional life was challenging and rewarding,” said Jones. “Our circle of friends included acquaintances from church, work and the community. We had found it was possible to move forward with our lives following the deaths of our parents, and we were excited abut the freedom mid-life offers.”

Jones lost her mother to breast cancer several years earlier, and since then, she had faithfully followed recommendations for breast screening by having a mammogram every one to two years, as her family history put her at higher risk for disease.

“But thankfully, year after year, no problems were found,” said Jones. “I dropped the cancer rider on my insurance policy, and stayed busy enjoying God’s blessings. Then, the day before Thanksgiving 1999, I was startled to see the fluffy white shadow on my X-ray film, the ominous evidence of something that should not be visible. That day, I started down a road that would take me on a journey that was not of my choosing.”

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Jones focused on things most precious to her: family and friendship.

“My personal relationship with Jesus Christ gave me hope for my eternal future, and I did not fear death,” she said. “I just did not want to be unprepared for what might be ahead. We made sure our affairs were in order, so our daughters would not be burdened with long, end-of-life legal issues, and we sought the advice of qualified physicians who could guide the journey.”

Weeks turned into months, and Jones marched to the drill of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She said the impact of the treatment “took a toll on my strength, my memory, and my ability to get up in the morning and live a life that did not focus on cancer.”

“Slowly though, as time passed, I began to find pleasure in the most ‘normal’ things,” she said. “Exercise became a welcome activity. Dinner with family and friends became more than a discussion about health issues. Little by little, I began to allow myself to believe that I might possibly be able to live life.”

Nine years have passed since Jones’ diagnosis and treatment. Since then, she’s returned to school, graduated, and now works as assistant chief nurse at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center.

“I am finally in a place where I can buy green bananas and live long enough to enjoy them,” said Jones. “The experiences of those days so long ago have deepened my faith and have given me a real appreciation for the blessings of each day. And I hope those who may face a similar circumstance can find encouragement in my story of life.”

Cherokee County Health Department Administrator Linda Axley has never had breast cancer, but she stresses preventive measures.

“I always go once a year for my mammogram, and I also go to the same clinic each time for the service, because I think it’s important to keep all those records in one place so any changes or noted possible problem areas can be compared easily to previous X-rays,” said Axley. “I have a number of friends and family members who have had breast cancer. All of them have caught it early enough, thank God, that they were able to be treated and have recovered with either surgery and radiation, or surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.”