Janice Dickinson News: Supermodel Is Fighting Breast Cancer And A 'Pity Party'

Janice Dickinson made the startling announcement that she has been battling breast cancer. The reality TV star and popular "world's first supermodel," told Daily Mail Online about her illness.

"Just two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer - it's hard for me to say this," the 61-year-old said. "It's still quite shocking. Today I got very scared... I just get very scared and it hit me. But I am not gonna let that define me, the fear. I'm going to get through this, I'll be just fine kiddo."

On March 8, the doctor examined her for a small stomach problem but found a "pea size" lump in her right breast. He ordered more tests.

Dickinson was on red alert. "I'm always optimistic, initially, when the doctor found the lump it hurt, it became quite painful when you touch it, that's the point when I knew this is serious," she said. "I went bingo, I have cancer."

The breast cancer was diagnosed four days after she went through a mammogram. She got the call when she went out shopping with her 22-year-old daughter Savannah

"I got a call from [my fiancé] Rocky [Gerner] telling me the doctor was trying to get hold of me, [and] then the doctor called me and told me, yes it's positive for cancer," Dickinson said. "I was really glad Savi was with me at that moment because it was kind of an out of body experience. At that moment, I knew I had to be brave and I had to be strong. I had to find the courage I possess as a woman, that we all have as women, and then I had to put my chin up and my shoulders back and take it moment by moment."

She also told her son Nathan about it.

"I'm a lucky woman - I have two very talented and accomplished children, both in long-term relationships, who'd have thunk I could do this, but I have," she said. "My son said, 'I haven't cried in 20 years.' I was a proud woman to know I was so loved and so lucky and loved by everyone."

The diagnosis  of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. Even though it is not "life-threatening," there is always the risk of an invasive type later.

Still, determined to fight the illness, Dickinson is also clear that it will not be a "a pity party."

Watch part of her battle on the daytime series "The Doctors," from April 6, 2016.