Q): What are some key elements that you always tell someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer?

A): Increase your self-care techniques to at least once a day, everyday - think of things that you love to do that end with an "ing" to help identify your list (e.g. reading, walking, meditating, etc.)  Before and after each self-care technique, say to yourself, "I am loving and caring for myself right now."  The mind and body will positively process this message.

Talk with a professional - a pastor, counselor, etc.

Begin journaling - journal all of your thoughts and feelings especially ones that keep reocurring.  Give your thoughts and feelings to the paper.

Replace all of your worries with what you want (e.g. if you are worrying about what the future holds for you, replace those thoughts with what you WANT to see in your future.)  If your mind wonders back to those worries, just repeat to yourself "that's ok" and bring yourself back to what you want. 

Q):  Why did you write this book?

A): I got the idea in 2001 while working with an oncology breast surgeon.  After women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer, I would ask them to get scheduled for a multitude of tests to stage their breast cancer.  Often times they would call me back and ask me to tell that what to do again: they would tell me after they heard the words "you have breast cancer, the rest of the instructions sounded like blah, blah, blah.  I created this book to give women something tangible to make their diagnosis and treatment plan easier.  Ultimately, I wanted to help women feel more in control over what was happening.  I want this book to offer hope and soothe their spirit, to act like a knowledgeable friend in their hand.  

Q): What are some ways spouses, family members and/or friends can help their loved one who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer? 

A): Listen to her fears and concerns, and avoid comparing her experience, situation or emotional response to others (every woman's experience, situation and response is unique.)

Help her gather information. Go to her doctor appointments - be a listening ear and/or transcriber.  Help her research information and resources so that she can make informed decisions.

Offer practical help (grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.) 

Be the Rock of Gibraltor - reassure her she is not a burden to help and don't let her push you away, but respect her wishes for privacy/alone time.

Treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in a similiar situation.

Q): Do many women seek counseling during their treatment?

A): Some do and there a lot of studies that show the breast cancer patients who attend regular counseling sessions can reduce their stress levels, and decrease their depression & anxiety symptoms. There are some studies that show the right kind of therapuetic intervention can lead to a stronger immune system. 

Q): Do spouses and other loved ones commonly need counseling?

A): Most definitely. A cancer diagnosis affects everyone around them.  Often times the spouse or family members who are witnessing the physical and emotional trauma on their loved one can experience just as much emotional trauma as the one receiving the treatment.  The good new is when spouse or loved one seek counseling they are better equipped to deal with their own emotions and in effect are better equipped to help their loved one.

Q): Is group counseling more effective than individual counseling?

A): Both are highly effective and I recommend them both, but it really depends on the clients comfort level.  Typically women feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and problems in individual counseling and later feel at ease in a support group setting. 

Q): How do recommend breast cancer patients talk to their children about breast cancer?

A):  First, be honest with your children.  Children are very receptive if there is a problem and if parents don’t, children may feel it is to dangerous of a topic and be more fearful of what is happening. Second, encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings and validate them. Lastly, allow your children to help out as much as they can.  When children are allowed to participate they feel they are more in control.   

Q):  At age 19 you were diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Tell us about that experience. 

A):  I had some very unusual physical symptoms that later was diagnosed as Hodgkin’s disease (cancer of the lymphatic system).  A biopsy and multiple tests showed a malignant tumor in my chest the size of dinner plate. I learned I was in Stage 3B, meaning the cancer had spread from my chest to my pelvis. I went through major exploratory surgery, 6 months of chemotherapy and 3 months of radiation therapy.  I felt alone, scared and utterly lost.

Despite having many people supporting and caring for me, I realized I had to pull myself through this very challenging and traumatic experience.  I started reading books on how to heal and tried every technique that I learned (no matter how silly or crazy the technique seemed.)  It was also during this time that I realized I wanted to hep people impacted by cancer make their experience less challenging and far less traumatic.  My cancer experience gave me "the ticket to begin living my life" - to live my life everyday with meaning and purpose.    

Q): Are you working on additional books about cancer treatment?

A): Yes, I am.  I plan to write several more books that address the needs of people diagnosed with various types of cancer.