During my recurrent cervical cancer treatment, I knew that mental strength was as important as my physical strength. But it was something I had to work on each day, especially on days when I felt weak. 

After lying in bed for several days after my chemotherapy, I forced myself to get up and walk around the block. I rarely wanted to walk, but I knew if I got up and got moving outside in the fresh air, I would feel stronger...

This week I went to MD Anderson for a follow-up appointment. I am 17 months past the day that I learned that there is no evidence of disease in my body. 

I felt different being at MD Anderson this time. I was not anxious for my appointment. I felt much like when I was first diagnosed with cervical cancer: I didn't feel that I looked like someone with cancer.   

When people who I met on the plane or the...