A Copperas Cove mother of three and former teacher is urging women to get tested early and often after she found out she had stage four breast cancer.
Lori Perez was a teacher at Copperas Cove Independent School District when she was diagnosed on her youngest son's graduation day in 2014.
That same day, she resigned from CCISD.
Over the next five years, Perez would undergo chemo, radiation and a double mastectomy. Doctors also diagnosed her with Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that makes her prone to numerous types of cancer.
After she retired from teaching, Perez focused on using art as a coping device and becoming a surface pattern designer.
"It's scary, but it's not something that has to rob you," Perez said. "Stay focused and be positive. We have God, and there is nothing that compares to Him. That's the ultimate healing."
Perez said her disease does not define her, and today she uses her cozy art studio to write messages of love and inspiration.
"It's helped me a whole lot," Perez said. "There's something therapeutic about being a part of the creative process. I think it's a miracle to have different colors."
She's even started a business with her art.
Doctors at Baylor Scott and White said Perez has been able to stay optimistic throughout her treatment.
"She's always had a positive attitude no matter what the news may have been at the time," Dr. said. "She's always had a strong conviction that she's going to beat the cancer."
Now, Perez is urging women to make sure they get checked early and often for breast cancer.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of their life. Around 268,000 new cases are expected by the end of 2019.
Perez said women should be sure to check themselves and be cautious if they find something, even if the doctors say it's nothing.
"If you find something, don't just go along with it if the doctors say don't worry about it," Perez said. "That's what happened to me. I was told that, and I could've had a head start."
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