I found out during a routine annual mammography. Something didn't look right and I was urged to follow up with a surgeon for a biopsy. The official word came from him a week later.

The first surgeon recommended surgery and then treatment consisting of chemo and possible radiation. We went for a second opinion, and the oncologist and surgeon both recommended chemo first, followed by surgery. While I was considered a candidate for lumpectomy, it was suggested that my risk factors would be lowered to single digits if I opted for mastectomy. We decided on mastectomy.

Through networking with trusted sources, in addition to a great deal of reading and online research.

In person with those I am closest too, and by email to extended family and friends. The email part was the easiest – you can type even when you're choked up.

Yes – I've found wonderful support through Young Survivors Coalition and Back in the Swing. I will be volunteering for Back in the Swing this fall, walking in the Komen Race for the Cure this September in Chicago, and plan to attend the YSC conference in February 2008.

Assemble a strong support team - close friends and family. Do everything you can to educate yourself on the subject to ensure that you will be able to make informed decisions. Seek out support groups and services available in your area. Try not to become discouraged - there are new treatment methods and options being developed every day.

Don't say, "if there is anything I can do".... do something, anything – sometimes a simple thing like washing someone's car or bringing dinner is so helpful.

I feel compelled now to make this journey easier for another person diagnosed with breast cancer. My volunteer work is a result of that conviction, and I hope to do great things in support of survivorship.

http://www.youngsurvival.org/

http://www.backintheswing.org/Index.asp

http://www.komenkansascity.org/