WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsSharing stories of breast cancer survival

MADISON (WKOW) -- More than 190,000 women will likely be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to estimates by the American Cancer Society.

Around 40,000 women will die but there are still over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors.

Tonight, we meet one of those women who is sharing her journey in hopes of helping others, making Gail Konop Baker Someone You Should Know. 

Click on the camera icon to your left to hear more of Gail's story of survival and strength.

For more information on Gail and her book visit: http://www.gailkonopbaker.com/

"I had been writing poetry and fiction for about 20 years," said Gail.

Gail Konop Baker has always loved to write.

"The words flooded out, I shook, I wept and fell asleep and woke up and wrote some more," said Gail. "The ironic thing is as I poured my these raw, intimate thoughts out, I thought I will never ever show these words to anyone."

But Gail is showing the world what it's like to get a breast cancer diagnosis.

Gail read a passage from her book: "Cancer Is A Bitch, or I'd Rather Be Having A Midlife Crisis" for an upcoming Wisconsin Story Project podcast called "The Cancer Stories."

Gail was diagnosed in 2006.

"I get checked every 6 months and I have had clean bills of health, I feel great," said Gail.

"I was really lucky, it was caught super early," said Gail. 

Gail tells women who hear the same words "You've got cancer" to honor their roller coaster of emotions.

"I have women who tell me 'The thing I'm most worried about is losing my hair and it sounds so superficial, but that's legitimate," said Gail.

And, for friends or family of someone with breast cancer:

"Use the word we, like we'll get through this," said Gail.

Gail was at a low when she decided to get off the couch and take her health into her own hands. 

Gail will run in her first marathon this weekend in Chicago.

"My body, I know, can do it," said Gail. "I do feel confident in that, but it's going to be hard. It is hard."

"I have a little chant I say, should I share, when it's really rough," said Gail.

She tells me she's a little embarrassed to share it.

"I'm going to get a little choked up," said Gail. "I still can't believe I actually went through all that."

"I'm so happy I've survived this," said Gail. "It's changed my life and it's made me actually a stronger person."

And Gail is living proof that you're never too old to figure out what you'll be when you grow up.

"It's not too late to launch yourself as a woman in your 40's," said Gail. "I think it's important to know you can do that."