Watch: OC Sheriff Fighting Crime, Fatigue and Breast Cancer

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has taken her cancer diagnosis in stride and remains positive despite losing her hair and feeling tired most evenings. 

She's cut back from working 12-hour days to 8 to 9 hour days.

"The hard thing for me is fatigue, it’s hard to describe it," said Hutchens, "it’s like coming down with flu, you are achy and tired. Your mind is ready to go, but your body isn’t following."

Hutchens was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall. She had a mammogram six months prior to her diagnosis that put her in the clear, but during a self-exam she found a lump. Hutchens encourages all women to do self-exams.

"I worked out three times a week, had a trainer and lived a healthy lifestyle. There's no history of cancer in my immediate family, I’m the first one. The message is clear: it can happen to anyone," said Hutchens.

Being in a public position means Hutchens has had to be pretty open about her fight with cancer, but she said it's encouraging to hear women say they are getting mammograms because of her story. She's also received tons of support from co-workers and the community.

"I even got a letter from one of our inmates wishing me well. It’s amazing," Hutchens said with a smile.