“Be good to yourself,” she says. “That means taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Get your annual mammogram. Be aware of changes in your breasts. Be your own best advocate.” According to Kim, in any medical crisis, women can take charge of their own health and medical care through simple steps. “Educate yourself on your options. Ask questions. Never leave yourself in the dark,” she says. For the woman with a newly diagnosed case of breast cancer, the path to a treatment plan begins with an accurate pathology report. “Ask if the diagnosis was made by a pathologist experienced in breast pathology. Because many aspects of your treatment will be based on the details of the pathology, it can pay to get a second pathology opinion.” And finally get on the same page with your physician. “Ask about your treatment options. What are the pluses and minuses of these choices? Ask how your care will be coordinated. What types of doctors will be involved in your treatment (surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon)—and will they be discussing your case together so they can coordinate your treatment plan?” Most importantly—live. “Believe in yourself and your treatment. Keep LIVING! Whether your prognosis is excellent or guarded—you are here today and very much alive.”

Q&A With Dr. Kimberly Allsion, Author of the book Red Sunshine, and Stage Three Breast Cancer Survivor

SW: As a medical professional in the field of breast cancer, what are three important questions every woman with a newly diagnosed case of breast cancer should ask their physician?

DR. ALLISON Always ask questions about the diagnosis. Make sure you understand it and get a copy of the pathology report. Ask if the diagnosis was made by a pathologist experienced in breast pathology. Because many aspects of your treatment will be based on the details of the pathology, it can pay to get a second opinion on your pathology.

Ask about your treatment options. What are the plusses and minuses of these choices? Is there any debate in the field about treatment recommendations in your situation or are the standards well-established?

Ask how your care will be coordinated. What types of doctors will be involved in your treatment (surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon) ―and will they be discussing your case together so they can coordinate your treatment plan? For example: If chemotherapy is recommended, will it be before or after surgery? If you are having a mastectomy, how will reconstruction be timed?

Get a second opinion on treatment from a cancer center considered to have expertise in treating breast cancer. Often, their recommendations can be followed by your local doctors so you can be treated closer to home.

Ask about additional resources that are available for support―like a patient resource center.

SW In the book, you refer to your support system of family and friends quite often. What advice can you give women who are afraid to share their diagnosis or feel that they want to "handle" it on their own?

DR.ALLISON Telling people about your cancer is never easy. But dealing with cancer alone does not make you a stronger person and can actually be detrimental to the relationships you care about. If you are uncomfortable telling people, just start with those closest to you that might offer you the most support or reach out to other survivors in support groups. You can even assign someone to be your mouthpiece and they can update people on your status so questions and comments can be filtered through them. Give people a chance to show they care about you―but do it on your terms. Electronic updates (emails or on sites like Caring Bridges) can also help keep unwanted attention or questions at bay. Don’t do this alone. You will miss out on a lot of love and support!

SW For loved ones, colleagues and friends of breast cancer patients, what advice would you give them as far as what they can do to offer the most support for the cancer patient?

DR. ALLISON Always ask first. Everyone has different needs during this process. Be specific―ask if they want a particular form of support―like help with meals, driving to appointments, help with any dependants in the household or with other aspects of everyday life that may now seem more challenging. But be willing to take no for an answer or to offer an alternative. Just a card, phone call or email to let someone know you are thinking about them is sometimes all that is needed.

SW What are some things they should NEVER do?

DR.ALLISON Never criticize a cancer patient’s reaction to their diagnosis or treatment. Just offer support and let them know you will be there for them.

SW What are you most grateful for as a result of this chapter in your life?

DR.ALLISON Today!

SW What advice do you give all women as far as their health and well-being is concerned?

DR.ALLISON Be good to yourself. That means taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. Get your annual mammogram. Be aware of changes in your breasts. Be your own best advocate. You deserve it.

SW What did you learn about yourself and your strength as a person and woman in this experience?

DR.ALLISON I discovered a new peace and inner voice that I had lost touch with in the busy life I was leading. I learned to slow down and listen to myself more.

SW What are some ways a woman can be an advocate for her own health and medical care in the event that she does face a health crisis?

DR.ALLISON Educate yourself on your options. Ask questions. Get a second opinion. Never leave yourself in the dark.

SW What is one message you want to get out to women everywhere about cancer and how it impacted your life?

DR.ALLISON There are so many messages I would give! You are not alone – find support from others who have been there. Believe in yourself and your treatment. Keep LIVING! Whether your prognosis is excellent or guarded―you are here today and very much alive.