KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When Elizabeth Edwards announced to the nation that her breast cancer had returned, it had a resounding impact on survivors who live with the reality their disease might come back.

KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported that she talked with two local survivors who understand the reality of recurrence all too well.

Four highly motivated, college-educated women were all diagnosed with breast cancer at turning points in their lives. Jennifer Johnson was five months pregnant. Jana Peters was about to get married. Patti Balwanz had a new career. Kim Carlos was a lawyer and new mom.

The foursome formed their own support group and met regularly at Nordstrom's cafe. They were dubbed the Nordie Girls. They vowed to fight the disease with everything they could, including humor. They shared it all in a book titled "Nordie's At Noon."

The book was released last fall. But Balwanz never got to see the book in print. Her cancer returned. The book is dedicated to her.

Peters took her dream job and moved to California with her husband. Her cancer also came back. Peters lost her battle last December.

"It's a hard thing when you're young to face mortality, and you know you may not be here until you're old and gray. But it's something you learn. In the end, it's actually a gift because we've learned how to enjoy each day and not take things for granted," Johnson said.

News of Elizabeth Edwards' recurrence hit hard.

"It reiterates that we still don't have a cure. Recurrence is a part of diagnosis, and it can happen to any of us at any time, which is why we need to make the most of every day. I think that's exactly what Elizabeth Edwards and her family chose to do," Carlos said.

Carlos and Johnson said they miss their friends dearly but live the way Peters and Balwanz expected them to -- to the fullest.

Carlos gave up law and has her own business. Her son, Brandon, is 7.

Johnson's son, Parker, who was born while she battled cancer, is a healthy 7-year-old. Johnson went on to have another child, Emma. Johnson still works full time at Sprint.

Eckerman reported that both women travel spreading their words of encouragement and volunteering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Just last week, they connected with Elizabeth Edwards. Edwards presented them with a national writing award for their book and what it has done for survivors. Peters' and Balwanz's awards were accepted by family members.

"I think we're four fiesty women, and it's hard to think your friends aren't here anymore. But they lived their lives to the fullest, and they could have been 70 and not done as much," Johnson said.

"I think Elizabeth Edwards, just like Jana and Patti and Jen and I, is making the most of life. There are no guarantees for any of us. Death and taxes, right? We better make every day count," Carlos said.

Eckerman reported that "Nordie's At Noon" has been so successful, it will soon come out in paperback.