Unaware of her husband’s knowledge, Dolores came back later and received the results from her doctor. He explained to her that she had breast cancer at the age of 39. Dolores acted quickly, finding a specialist, radiologist and plastic surgeon. All of her doctors agreed she was in need of a modified radical mastectomy because the cancer had not yet affected her lymph nodes. Taking precautionary measures, Dolores had both beasts removed in order to reduce her chances of the disease returning.

Her strength and positive attitude only left her out of work for just eleven days. When she returned after her reconstructive surgery, she decided to find humor in the situation, stuffing her late mother’s "DD" bra and prancing around her office with her fake enormous breasts. Dolores’ coworkers did not find humor in the matter however, as she was called into HR to discuss the situation. Despite her coworkers’ hesitation at the joke, her light-heartedness and faith in herself pushed her through these difficult times.

In April of 2004, 18 years after her initial bout with the disease, Dolores noticed a pain her ribs. She went to the doctor to complete a variety of tests and was promptly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the bones and liver. It was at this time Dolores called Komen and the American Cancer Society to try and speak with a survivor who had gone through the same history and diagnosis. She spoke with one woman who expressed the benefits of chemotherapy treatment stating it was "only a few months of your life."

Throughout Dolores’ long chemo process, she had a positive outlook on her situation, submersing herself in the idea that "you cannot afford the luxury of one negative thought." She prayed before every chemo session, knowing her strong belief in God and trust in her doctors would leave her thankful to be alive. She finished chemo in June 2008 but went for a second round in December of 2009, completing it in March of 2010.

Dolores watched her tumor marker counts rise once more in August of this year, but she is determined to approach this battle with the same tenacity and positive outlook as in years past. Dolores confidently states, "I will not die of cancer; I will live with it."

Living with cancer for one third of her life, Dolores reminds herself daily that she is "choosing life." She is now 63 years old and living her life to its fullest potential. She keeps her mind off herself, and stays busy with her family and a variety of activities with her synagogue. She reflects on her time with cancer as a learning and growing experience, teaching her patience and thankfulness for her life.