"I believe that everything happens for a reason," says Lee. "I'm not sure what the reason is yet but I'm sure it will be revealed in time. I just took each day as it came and started paying more attention to living life. What's the use of money if you can't enjoy it because you're in the hospital? Go do something that you've never thought of doing. You'll regret it one day if you don't."

To those confronted with similar predicaments, Lee has this to say: "Stay focused and be positive. Don't compare your condition to others as different bodies react and heal differently. There is always hope."

-Cancer survivor Michelle Lee