Monica Pearson diagnosed with liver cancer

ATLANTA — Channel 2’s Monica Pearson is sharing a personal story, in hopes it will help others.

Monica was diagnosed with liver cancer and doctors removed 55% of her liver, but she’s doing well.

“I am fine,” Monica told Channel 2’s Jocelyn Dorsey. “I didn’t want to tell anyone until I was through it.”

She told Dorsey she needed positive energy more than anything else.

“When most people hear you have cancer they immediately think you’re going to die within the next three minutes,” she said. “I didn’t need any negativity around me.”

Monica had surgery on Jan. 29 and spent a week in the hospital. She’s still recuperating and will have a scar.

“That's OK. I’m comfortable with that scar. I’m still here.”

Doctors found the cancer during a routine physical.

In 1998, Monica’s doctors found breast cancer during a routine mammogram. She wants everyone to know how important those checkups are.

“I’m doing well. I’m going to be fine,” she said.

Monica will see a doctor every six months for the next five years to make sure the cancer hasn't come back.

“I feel very good about my condition," she said. "I just think it happened because I needed to tell people ‘take care of yourself.’”

Monica says she didn't have any symptoms with the liver cancer or breast cancer.

Her message: “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. Don't be afraid.”

WSBTV