Because, she says, that would mean there was a possibility of losing the fight – and that was something the 55-year-old was determined wasn't going to happen.
Speaking exclusively to Closer's New You, Loose Women panelist Carol said: "For me, it was always just about getting better. Although of course it wasn't pleasant."
In February this year, Carol made the shock revelation that she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer, and in June 2014 had a three-hour operation to remove her left breast.
Following the operation, Carol faced a gruelling six rounds of chemo and 15 rounds of radiotherapy.
But she remained positive throughout. She continued: "I tried not to think about it – if you think about something too much, it becomes terrifying. Of course I didn't want to have my boob chopped off, but it had to happen and I just focused on getting through it."
Despite her profile, Carol managed to keep the condition to herself, confiding in only a small handful of friends and her fiancé of six years Mark Cassidy.
When the chemotherapy started making Carol's hair fall out and she decided to shave it off, TV production accountant Mark offered to shave his too.
"I said, 'Don't be daft – it won't make me feel any better seeing you with no hair!'" Carol said. "For me, it seemed the natural thing to do because when big chunks of your hair come out, it looks scary."
She finished her treatment in December and, although she didn't feel completely well again immediately, Carol is hopeful things can only get better.
"I've always seized the day," she added. "It's not made me think, 'I must start jumping out of planes!' I'm just glad to feel well."
Closer’s New You special, free with this week’s magazine, is 28-pages of expert advice and inspiration to help you make the best of yourself.