I met Melissa on the Young Survival Coalition website. She agreed to give her time to write about her breast cancer journey and offer advice that can help others going down the same road.

Melissa was only 29 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She blogs at To Keep You, A Breast that chronicles her journey.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I received my diagnosis while sitting in Friday evening rush hour traffic. Fortunately, it was gridlock so I had a few minutes to collect myself before I actually had to drive. About six weeks prior, I had found a lump in my right breast while in the shower. I originally thought it was just a knot in the muscle because I had been working out a lot and my muscle was sore. When the muscle pain went away and the lump was still there, I made an appointment with my primary care physician. She examined me and sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. The day of the mammogram was the first time I was actually concerned that it might be something serious because they kept wanting to take more images and everyone was being extremely nice. I could tell during the ultrasound that the radiologist was really concerned. She told me to expect a call from my PCP that afternoon and that I needed a biopsy. They were able to make an appointment for the biopsy while I was there, but the date was almost two whole weeks away.

By the time of the biopsy, I was again sure there was nothing to worry about. While the radiologist did an ultrasound of the lump before the procedure, he told me he thought I should have an MRI because he suspected there might be a couple of lumps clustered together. That was when I hit full panic mode. During the procedure, which was on a Tuesday, he told me I would have the results by Thursday or Friday. By Friday at 3:00 pm, I was starting to get very anxious and called my PCP's office to see if they had the results. One of the nurses, who had been by me throughout the process told me they didn't have them yet but she would call and try to get them. She knew I was a nervous wreck and couldn't wait all weekend to find out. It was about 5:30 by the time she called back with the news that no one wants to hear. "Melissa, I'm sorry, but you have breast cancer."

What types of breast cancer treatments were recommended?

I consulted with two surgeons before making the decision to have a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Based on the size of my breasts, both felt that a good cosmetic result could be achieved while safely removing all of tumor. Because my tumor was 2.4 cm, and because I'm 29 years old, my oncologist also recommended four courses of Adriamycin and Cytoxan. My tumor was hormone sensitive, so I'll be taking Tamoxifen for five years after I complete chemo and radiation.

How did you research breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?

I spent a lot of time online reading articles about different types of cancer treatments and their outcomes and side effects. Because the average age of a breast cancer patient is 64, there were, and still are, a lot of questions about how this will impact my 29 year old body. There is not a lot of research on breast cancer and younger women. I read books, journals, anything I could get my hands on. I went to every doctor's appointment with a list of questions; my oncologist is now prepared for my arrival with copies of articles she wants me to read. How did you tell your family?

I told my parents while I was still sitting in gridlock. My family had been with me throughout the diagnosis and I knew they were awaiting the results as anxiously as I was. I called my sister once I was parked in front of my house. As a single woman, I didn't have a husband to share the news with, but my friends are like my family and I called a few of them over the course of the weekend to tell them the news. I let my parents handle telling the extended family. On Monday, I sent out a mass email to all of my friends, sharing my diagnosis with them and directing them to a blog I had set up for the purpose of keeping everyone informed. The blog has been a lifesaver- it allows me to keep everyone updated with the latest news from the doctors, word on how I'm feeling and any new developments, like losing my hair, and keeps me from repeating myself. Everyone feels like they have access to the latest news. It has also been therapeutic for me to have a place to chronicle this journey

If you'd like to read more from my blog, "To Keep You, A Breast" it can be found at http://melnorth.blogspot.com

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

My family and I have a team in the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure on June 2, 2007 in Washington, DC. My friends, family and I will be walking to raise money for the Komen Foundation's programs. I'll be in the midst of chemo, and my sister will be eight months pregnant, but we're determined to help make a difference.

I've also gotten involved with the Young Survival Coalition through their website. They provide a great source of information for younger women with breast cancer. Their message boards have also been a tremendous source of support for me; I have found a group of women at the same stage of treatment that I can share my thoughts and questions with and find out if they are experiencing similar symptoms or emotions.

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

For me, the hardest part was waiting; waiting for more information, waiting for answers, waiting for surgery or treatment to begin. But I came to realize that this time was a good thing. It gave me the time I needed to research all of the possible treatment options and come to terms with what was happening. Also, even if you love the first surgeon, oncologist, specialist you meet with, get a second opinion. I'm sure the first surgeon I met with would have done a fine job, but after meeting with my second opinion, I knew she was the right choice for me. Take the time to gather all of the information that you need to make the best choice for you. Waiting a couple of extra days isn't going to impact your outcome and you'll feel much more comfortable with what is happening. Also, don't be afraid to speak up when something doesn't feel right or you have questions.

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

Be patient. Try to gauge from them how much they want to talk about it and be there if they need someone to listen, but don't constantly bring it up if they don't. Also, instead of saying "let me know if there's anything I can do," do something. Show up and clean their bathroom or drop off a meal. It makes it so much easier on the patient when they don't have to think of ways they need help and ask for it. Try to anticipate what you might want in such a situation and do that for your friend. She's probably never going to ask you to clean her toilet, but when she spends all weekend hugging it after chemo, she'll really appreciate the fact that it's clean!

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

I'm still sorting out what this means to me. It means that I take the extra second to tell the people I love that I love them so that should something bad happen, they will know. It means that I try to concern myself less with the trivial day-to-day things like drama at work, a cracked windshield on my car or people that say stupid, thoughtless things because in the grand scheme, these things aren't as important. It means I spend more time taking care of myself, by going to the gym or preparing a healthier meal, so that my body is as strong as it can be while I fight this disease and beyond. It means I will do everything in my power- raise funds, raise awareness, lobby legislators and participate in studies- to help find a cure for this disease so that my mother, sister, friends, and hopefully a daughter of my own one day, won't have to fight the same battle

Name three breast cancer book you would recommend:

Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book was a huge help for me when I was first diagnosed. It does a great job of explaining everything, including the basics of how this disease forms and grows.

Nordie's at Noon and Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy were great inspirations. It was wonderful to know that there are other young women out there who face the same tough choices I am up against. Hearing other's personal stories let me know that I wasn't alone in this.

Name other breast cancer related resources that you recommend:

The Young Survival Coalition (">www.youngsurvival.org) is a great resource and support for young women facing breast cancer.