Finding out you have breast cancer is the beginning of a physical and emotional journey. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, confused and frightened. Women are oftentimes asked to make life changing choices very quickly during this time of personal crisis. One way you can regain control is to help make decisions about your treatment.

Understanding your diagnosis, being knowledgeable about your options, and feeling comfortable with your healthcare team are all essential. Only then can you make personal determinations that are best and most appropriate for you. The more you are informed and understand the steps of the journey, the easier it will be. When you feel comfortable and confident that you have made the best choices for treatment based on your own individual needs, you can then focus on getting well.

Finding Support

You may be acquainted with women in your community who have made this journey and are now back to leading busy active lifestyles. These women can be your lifeline as you begin your own journey. It has been proven that women diagnosed with breast cancer who join a breast cancer support group actually recover more quickly. This group of veteran and new survivors can be a wealth of support and information and also a safe place to ask questions and share your concerns.

In this section I have attempted to provide helpful guidelines and support to get you started and help you through some of the steps necessary on your journey. You will find useful tools to take you from decision making and talking with your physician, to comfort and self-image as you leave the hospital. Each page is designed to educate and assist you towards complete physical and emotional healing. Remember that you are not alone, there are over 2 million women who like me have survived and thrived after breast cancer. They have completed the journey and returned to living a fulfilling and normal life with renewed hope for many bright and healthy tomorrows.

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