Jennifer Matherly is a 27-year-old wife, mother, daughter, sister, insurance broker, student, and friend. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Jennifer, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with friends and family. She doesn't have much free time lately -- but when she finds moments all to herself, she tends to her hobbies which include cross-stitching and working on her blog.

Jennifer's blog began as a story about her journey to motherhood. It turned into a story about her journey with breast cancer. It's an inspiring read, full of trials and triumphs. It's a testament to her strength and courage and sheer determination. It's a story of survivorship -- a little something like what follows.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

I was diagnosed on September 23, 2005.

How old were you at the time of diagnosis?

I was 26 years old.

Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

I have no family history of breast cancer.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I found a lump in my breast and first went to my OB/GYN to get it checked out. They did a breast ultrasound which was not reassuring and I was referred to a breast surgeon. My surgeon did a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) in the office and scheduled my for an excisional biopsy to remove the lump. My results from the FNA came back benign and I stopped worrying. A couple weeks later I had the surgical biopsy. My surgeon called me at home two days later to tell me that I had cancer.

How did you tell your family members about your diagnosis?

I was at home alone when I got the call, so my first call was to my husband. I felt bad that I had to call him at work, but he immediately came home to be with me. Next I called my parents who live several states away. They offered to book a flight immediately, but we had them wait until we got more information and I would really need some assistance.

What types of breast cancer treatment did you receive?

After my initial diagnosis, I was scheduled for another surgery. This surgery consisted of putting in a port, re-excising my lumpectomy (some of the initial margins weren't clear), and doing a sentinel-node biopsy. Thankfully, my lymph nodes were clear. After surgery, I began chemotherapy. I had three rounds of FEC (5-FU, Epirubicin, Cytoxan) and then three rounds of Taxotere. Each round was given in three week intervals -- for approximately four months of treatment. I also was HER-2 neu positive, so starting during my Taxotere cycles, I began a weekly regimen of Herceptin. Once I finished the chemo, they adjusted my Herceptin schedule to every three weeks. I should finish it in December. After finishing chemo, I also received radiation treatment for 6 1/2 weeks. I was PR (progesterone receptor) negative, but focally weakly positive for ER (estrogen receptor). Although with a weak positive, the benefits are minimal, I have agreed with my doctor for the time being to take Tamoxifen. I am not sure that I will complete the five-year suggested regimen, but for now, I am on the treatment.

How did you manage through breast cancer treatment?

For me treatment was not as difficult as I expected it to be. Chemotherapy made me very fatigued and I was nauseated for a couple of days unless I kept my stomach full. I worked throughout treatment, although I would take a week off after each treatment. I was proud to say that I never vomited! The second week my blood counts would usually drop and I'd have to take an antibiotic, but I never had any serious complications. Radiation was a breeze compared to chemo. My appointment was at 8:15 a.m., so I went in every day before work. I didn't miss a day of work on radiation. The Herceptin doesn't cause any side effects for me (except I can smell the Herceptin coming out of all of my pores for the next day). I just leave works a couple of hours early every 3rd Wednesday, take a little nap in my chair and then go home. I have noticed zero side effects from the Tamoxifen.

What has been your worst breast cancer moment?

I think the worst moment for me was the day of my diagnosis when we went into the surgeon's office to discuss the situation. Eric and I had planned to have our children two years apart. At the time of my diagnosis, my daughter was eight months old. We had planned to start trying to have the 2nd child in just six months. During that moment we realized that our plans were going to have to change. I would not be able to get pregnant in six months, it would be at least two years, maybe five, or worst case scenario, I may never be able to get pregnant again. This is still an issue that I struggle with.

What has been your best breast cancer moment?

There have been many good moments. The best thing for me is the amount of support from friends and family. I have never felt more loved.

How do handle anxiety and worry related to breast cancer?

In general I am not a worrier. Of course, anything abnormal still causes some anxiety. I pray and trust that God has a purpose for whatever happens in my life (good or bad). I also stay informed and research and anything that seems "off" to me, I make sure to discuss with my doctor.

How has breast cancer changed your life?

The biggest change for me is that I am working towards a total career change. Even before diagnosis, I felt like God was working on some big plan for me. I couldn't get a grasp of what "the plan" was, but felt like somehow I needed to help women. When I prayed, the answer I got was "wait". Then I got cancer. I went to a spiritual retreat the week before I started chemo and finally the plan was revealed to me. I am going to go to medical school to be an OB/GYN. It's a long process, but I've already taken two courses for my pre-requisites, and will continue to get my science classes, so I can apply. I was a business major in college, so this is a totally different path.

What lessons have you learned through breast cancer?

Faith is important. A good attitude makes a world of difference during your treatment. There is strength inside me that I never knew existed. Just by going through this experience and having a positive attitude, I can be an inspiration to others.

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

I'm not currently involved in any breast cancer support groups (don't have the time with work, class, and the family). I have helped with a mail project for cancer research, and plan on putting together a team for the next Race For the Cure.

What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed?

Be informed and share your thoughts with your doctors. Stay positive. Talk to other survivors.

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

Don't be afraid to talk about the cancer. Don't always say, "everything will be ok." Sometimes we need to talk about what happens if it isn't ok and if you won't talk about it, we're all alone. When you offer help, you should be specific and give a time frame. Cancer patients may not want to ask for help, even if you said, "call me if you need anything." It's better to say, "Let me bring you dinner on Friday."