As a full time CPA and mother of two teens, my life is filled with juggling work, family, and PTA meetings. But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything came to a screeching halt. I was terrified—not just for myself, but for my family. How would they cope? How would I manage? Could I continue working?

I researched and asked around and found the best doctors in the area. I wanted to begin treatment as soon as possible, so I immediately scheduled an appointment. They recommended surgery, hormone therapy, and possibly radiation. But after meeting with them, I left feeling more overwhelmed than reassured.

I am a researcher by nature, so I went home and began frantically Googling the treatment options they gave me. My thoughts kept racing back to my history—I'd been admitted to the ICU twice for blood clots, and based on my research, I knew hormone therapy could increase that risk. I was also terrified of the potential long-term damage radiation could cause to my heart. I felt stuck, confused, and unsure of what the right choice was for me. I needed more than just facts—I needed to know how these treatments would affect me, my life, and my family.