Laura Berry is a 53-year-old wife and mother of three wonderful sons -- two are firefighters and one is a junior at the Air Force Academy. She also has two wonderful dauthers-in-law, the world's most precious grandson, and a husband of 34 years who is her best friend. Laura is a breast cancer survivor -- who tells me her story is rather unremarkable. I think, like me, you will disagree.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

I was diagnosed on the date of my 30th wedding anniversary on August 12, 2002, following a most wonderful second honeymoon/vacation. Although it was Stage 2 (it had traveled to my lymph nodes) fortunately I had "classic" menopausal breast cancer -- hormone positive, routinely treated with mastectomy, A&C and Taxotere, then tamoxifen, no radiation required. At the same time, my 34-year-old friend with a 4-year-old daughter was dealing with a more invasive form and I felt a certain amount of guilt about that.

How old were you at the time of diagnosis?

I was 49 years old.

Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

No breast cancer anywhere in my family, which I understand is pretty common.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I had a lump. I went to my OB/GYN as soon as I found it and she said she thought it was a cyst but wanted me to have a mammogram to check it out. It turned out to be Stage 2 breast cancer.

How did you tell your family members about your diagnosis?

Very calmly and carefully. I told my husband first, of course and he was all about "let's beat this thing." My sons were 20, 19, and 17 at the time and used to seeing me in control of my life. As scared as I was, I did not want them to know that I was scared. I told them what I knew at the time and what I thought would happen and asked for their help and prayers. They were much more emotional than I thought they would be . . . but having lost my mother to another wretched form of cancer, I was sensitive to what they had seen their grandmother go through and what they obviously feared might be my demise. Once we shed our initial tears together, we never cried again.

What types of breast cancer treatment did you receive?

I had a radical mastectomy of my left breast and they also removed most of my lymph nodes on that side. Then A&C for 3 treatments and Taxotere for 3 treatments. Then Tamoxifen. My doctor switched me to Aromasin as soon as all the great results came out from the studies.

How did you manage through breast cancer treatment?

I managed the same way everyone I know who has had breast cancer has managed. It is ironic how consistent we tend to be in our thought processes -- it is actually quite amazing. First we get our diagnosis. Then we do our research. We read, ask, go on line, and listen to our doctors and those who have gone before us. Then we steam full speed ahead with whatever is the determined course of action. Most of us are very aggressive, preferring to err on the side of caution -- take the breasts, give me the chemo, the radiation, whatever it takes to save my life ... and most of us believe we are saving our lives for our families, our children -- as if somehow putting those images out in front makes this more of a selfless act than a selfish one -- we are as maternal in this process as we are in giving birth or tending a sick child or aging loved one.

What has been your worst breast cancer moment?

That damned wig! Hot sweaty itchy -- no matter how much you spend on the perfect one, it is still ill-fitting and annoying, but I felt that I had to wear it because I still worked when I could through my treatment. I didn't want the attention being bald would cause at work. If I had it to do over again, I would have been braver about showing the world what I was going through

What has been your best breast cancer moment?

The entire experience was a most wonderful one for me personally. My husband shared feelings and strengths that I hadn't known existed after 30 years of marriage. My boys were tender and sweet and helpful. My sisters rallied around me and protected me with their love and support, knowledge and devotion. Friends jumped into high gear offering meals, rides to the hospital, sent well wishes and stayed appropriately on the outskirts of the battle waiting for a chance to help. As a strong independent woman, I never realized how much one could rely and thrive on the love and kindness of those around us. The discomfort of surgery and chemo and reconstruction was so softened by the support of my family and friends.

How do handle anxiety and worry related to breast cancer?

Three and a half years after my last chemo treatment, I handle my fears as aggressively as I did my treatment. I regularly see my doctors and have my mammograms and scans. I have full confidence in all of them -- my ob/gyn, my internist, my oncologist, and they work together keeping each other up to date on what they may or may not find. My internist carefully monitors my heart for any post-chemo damage. My ob/gyn keeps an eye on possible side effects of tamoxifen (and now aromasin). I still see my oncologist every 6 months and she monitors blood work and tests. I am fully confident that if something arises, we will be fully prepared to deal with it. I have a peace about being in God's hands.

How has breast cancer changed your life?

I am proud to be a survivor and honored when someone comes to me because they have been diagnosed with breast cancer and someone else suggested they talk to me. I am happy to share my experiences and stand by them as they go through theirs. An acquaintance just recently finished her radiation and her prognosis is very good. She wrote and thanked me for my support and guidance and said she was not sure she could have done it without me. Nonsense, I replied, breast cancer only attacks strong women OR breast cancer makes strong women -- whatever you prefer to believe, it is now your turn to pay it forward and help someone else. She agreed. This commitment to sisters in the battle has been the most rewarding part of my life for the past three years.

What lessons have you learned through breast cancer?
Life is short -- but we already knew that -- we just weren't paying attention. Treat every day as special. The further away you get from your original diagnosis, the harder it is to keep yourself from slipping back into old ruts; bad habits. Use your relationships in this special club to help you remember how precious life is. Some tactical learnings: Once you are over 35, see your doctor regularly. If I hadn't skipped a year, my breast cancer might have been discovered before it was at Stage 2. I was just too busy. I wish I had that to do over again. Now I am very preachy about mammograms and regular check-ups. If you work, make sure you have long term disability insurance. I never thought about it until I needed it and I didn't have it.

Are you involved in any breast cancer support groups? Fundraisers? Organizations?

Fully support Susan G Komen with donations. Also American Cancer Society Walks. Participated in a quality of life study at UCF.

What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed?

Approach this as you would any other important event in your life. Do the research, listen to the experts and those who went before you. Then make the decision that you think is right for you. Be aggressive. Take the meds -- I am not talking about the treatment meds, I am talking about the coping meds. If you find that you are depressed or having anxiety during this difficult time, there are a zillion good meds that your doctor can prescribe to help you get through this adventure -- paxil, prozac, zoloft -- whatever he or she finds works best. And take the meds to help you sleep if you need them. Our trials seem larger than life in the wee hours of the night and so much more manageable in the light of day. Get your sleep.

What advice would you give family members and friends of someone diagnosed with breast cancer?

Be patient, supportive. No one knows what this is unless they have gone through it themselves. You have good days and bad days. You feel invincible and helpless. You go to hell and back again to kill this cancer and your body is the battlefield. Let the patient tell you what she needs and forgive her for not knowing. Take it one day at a time.

Name any breast cancer related books or other resources you would recommend.

The Breast Book by Dr. Love is really helpful when you are first diagnosed. Most of the resources I used were on the Internet -- MD Anderson, Sloan Kettering, American Cancer Society, HealthTalk, Susan G. Komen, etc.

What else would you like to share?
I would like to share how impressed I am with your blogs and your ability to share this adventure with others who love and admire you. Keep up the good work.You have no idea what it means to others. God Bless.

Thank you, Laura!