Jennifer is a young breast cancer survivor that was also faced with the diagnoses of leukemia after her breast cancer journey. Jennifer is surviving and living life to the fullest. She knows how precious life is and she wanted to share her story with us.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I found my lump myself when I scratched an itch on the outer part of my left breast. Within the next two weeks I had a mammogram, ultrasound and needle core biopsy. On May 16, 2002, I was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer. It was an aggressive tumor; it was not detected on a routine mammogram four months earlier. If it was not for the urgency of the radiologist, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, my cancer could have been diagnosed at a later stage, and I might not be here today.

What types of breast cancer treatments were recommended?

I was recommended the same treatment by three different oncologists. All recommended chemotherapy and radiation, however, only one oncologist recommended a different chemotherapy regimen. Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin and Fluorouracil (CEF) rather than Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol (ACT).

How did you research breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?

I didn't. I was in shock. I couldn't think. I couldn't see. My brain shut down. My husband did all the research for me but we both made the decision together as to which oncologist to go with and which chemotherapy regimen to take. When it came to radiation, my case could have gone either way: with or without radiation. Of course the radiation oncologists that I interviewed recommended that I have radiation. My decision was made totally by myself. My husband was totally against radiation because of the future health risk associated with it. But I felt I had to do everything in my power to get rid of any cancer I had left in my body at this time in my life. I had a 20 month old daughter at home and I wanted to be there for her as long as I could.

How did you tell your family?

Breast cancer runs in my family so when I had found the lump and told everyone, I think we all knew that I had cancer. It was not a big surprise. It was just devastating that breast cancer had found a way into our lives again.

Are you involved with any breast cancer support groups, fundraisers or breast cancer organizations?

I belong to an online yahoo support group called Sisters In Survivorship. I also participate in the Komen National Race for the Cure in Washington, DC and the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure in Baltimore, Maryland. I am a member of the Young Survival Coalition and attend the annual conference sponsored by Living Beyond Breast Cancer and YSC. I also model mastectomy swimwear for a local mastectomy prosthetics and for the Anne Arundel Medical Center Women's Retreat. I have been interviewed by our local newspaper and featured WJZ's (channel 13 in Baltimore) Sunday morning health program, On Time.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer?

Accept all the help you are offered no matter how much you think you don't need it. Let neighbors cook dinner for you, allow family and friends to take the kids for few hours or drive them to sports practices, music lessons, ect. Let your family and friends clean your house (you should accept this offer any time in your life!). Delegate chores to all family members; even a five year old can put away laundry and empty small trash cans around the house.

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

Offer help. Whether it is housework, grocery shopping, transporting kids to soccer games, Sunday school, making meals etc. Just offer help in some helpful manner. Instead of focusing on sending flowers or stopping by to see how they are doing, actually DO something for them to make their life easier. Flowers die, cards get thrown away, phone calls can be ignored. A meal will be eaten. Rides for the kids are always appreciated. Dropping off basic groceries is a time saver. Think smart. Think about what YOU would want if you needed help.

As a breast cancer survivor, what thoughts do you have on surviving breast cancer and being a breast cancer survivor?

I am also a leukemia survivor (1 1/2 years), so having survived two primary cancers in the past four and a half years, I know life is precious. I almost died from cardiac arrest while being treated for leukemia, and as I was unconscious with my heart not beating and me not breathing, a voice spoke to me. It said "Don't worry. They will take care of you. Just let them take care of you". I immediately stopped fighting, fell at ease and at peace, and I let them take care of me. I literally -Let go and Let God. I have since found my faith again, joined my church, and always listen to my inner voice. I truly believe things happen for a reason, and if having leukemia after surviving breast cancer is what it took to bring me back to God, then it was worth it.

Name three breast cancer book you would recommend:

I didn't read any. I didn't want to be swayed in any way. I wanted to experience it in my own way. To this day I have not read any breast cancer related books. I don't intend to either.

Name other breast cancer related resources that you recommend:

FORCE, www.facingourrisk.com