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First comes diagnosis, then surgery. Then, a cancer team will be formed just for her. Her surgeon and other experts will consider her case and decide the appropriate treatment. Sometimes it's radiation only, sometimes hormone treatment, sometimes chemotherapy or a combination of a couple of these.

The team will consider what is best for your friend. She will be in good hands. Each treatment does have a certain duration, but their effects are intended to be long-lasting. An outcome really can't be predicted. But from experience, my own and that of friends who've also had breast cancer, attitude and other factors play a large role in outcome. A positive attitude is essential.

Your support is important. She needs your positive attitude. She will likely have her own fears. So treat her normally. It's important that she fit back into her lifestyle as much as possible.

You don't have to ignore the condition. She can't. She can't expect you to. But don't make her into a disease or consider it a part of her personality.

Show support. Educate yourself by reading and looking up things on valid medical websites.

It means a lot to me that my sister and best friend have started wearing those pink wristbands. They don't make a big deal out of it, but I know they care and it's on their mind. They're also concerned about my diet. My best friend, who was my roommate, used to buy apples, make me bran muffins and so forth. She didn't announce that they were in accordance with medical recommendations for those who've had cancer, but I knew why she'd made the slight grocery change.

Be a good listener, even when she has painful feelings to express. You're a super friend to simply be asking about this matter. Hang in there. You can do this.

Best wishes,

Nikki