Commissioner Willa Johnson will have breast cancer surgery

Oklahoma County District 1 Commissioner Willa Johnson has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo surgery Monday.

Johnson said the cancer was discovered during a routine mammogram the week of Thanksgiving. She initially told only her family members and close acquaintances before making a public announcement during this week's board of county commissioners meeting.

Johnson's two adult children are handling their mother's diagnosis well despite being "quite anxious,” Johnson said.

"They're scared, just as I am. But every indication that I've gotten from anybody that knows about cancer and the stages of it — everybody is saying that it's the best time to catch it,” Johnson said. "I'm going to be OK.”

Johnson, a former Oklahoma City councilwoman, has never previously had cancer.

Long known for her spunkiness and positive attitude, Johnson hadn't missed a day of work since her diagnosis until Friday.

"Would've gone, but you know how we put off grocery shopping and things that you look past? That's why I'm off. I would not have been off today, but I just had to get it done,” Johnson said.

She hopes to be home by Monday afternoon to begin outpatient recovery and expects to work from home for a short time until returning to the office.

"We've all been praying for her since we found out on Monday. We're anxious for her to recover, and we know that she'll continue to work as much and as hard as she can,” said Randy Grau, second deputy for District 3 Commissioner Ray Vaughn.