Naked Inside Out

Book excerpt: Victoria Johnson's face was made famous on magazine covers, her body the perfect centerfold fantasy, while her winning image served as an advertiser's dream. Thousands of alluring photographs opened doors for her in New York, Hollywood, and the capitals of Europe. And then, as she wrote, "My life changed in that one moment." When Victoria learned she had Stage IV cancer, her grandmother's words came to mind: "Is it time to use the good china?" Victoria Johnson called on her strength and her faith as she chose to become someone who was "living with cancer." For the next 20 years, she became the most informed cancer patient possible, studying and fighting her disease with equal fervor, making sure her life stood as a message for others as she stressed the importance of giving back. Despite the long journey of chemotherapy, miracle drugs, radiation, a double craniotomy, infections, a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and seven brain tumors-resulting in lymphedema, osteoporosis, visual impairment, and hearing loss-Victoria spoke out as a survivor, lecturing on the beauty of a life well-led and reflecting on the important issues of courage, conviction, and dedication.