Yesterday I went to Concord Hospital to have my lumpectomy with my husband, my son Tylor and my mom. My day started at 9 am and checked in, then given a wonderful johnny and stylish booties to wear. All the nurses were so nice. Then I went down stairs to radiology to have my needle localization done and what an experience that was. I sat in the chair with my breast compressed talking to the nurse about her horses and our experience's getting bucked off them. It was so helpful to keep my mind off of what was going on, but I still almost passed out. I should have never looked down to see the two needles coming out of my breast. When that was done the nurses put a cup over the needles so I wouldn't hit them. I thought it was a great inventive idea so I wouldn't hit or move the needles. The blue dye that was inserted was painful but tolerable. The whole process took about an hour and a half then I went right to the operating room. My surgeon removed an egg size lump from my left breast and everything went well except for my soar throat. I have several stitches and a small amount of swelling. I will not get the results until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. This is the hardest part for me and am staying focus on positive things in my life. I have a lot of wonderful care givers like Tenisha. She is a thirteen year old girl that stayed with me all night long to see if I needed anything. She is here to help with Mary, letting the dog out and giving me sips of ginger ale. Everyone has been a big help and I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life who love and care for me.

In my breast cancer advocacy work, I constantly meet extraordinary people. Bridget Mooney is one of those people. I can't wait to introduce you!

I first met Bridget, 24, in August at the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mission Conference. She introduced herself to me as the Co-Chair of Komen's Young Woman National Advisory Council, an initiative by Komen to focus on young women and breast cancer (and yes, that is the sound of all of us young survivors applauding). Her incredible spirit precedes her and fills the room as she walks in. She is bubbly and full of life.

Let me tell you Bridget's story. She was a carefree senior at Boston University , planning her future and enjoying her last year with her friends. She felt a lump in her left breast and went to see a nurse practitioner. Without a family history of breast cancer, she was assured by doctors that she had nothing to worry about. After finally getting a mammogram, it was discovered that while Bridget was out enjoying her senior year, her cancer had spread and metastasized to her liver. Stage 4. She learned all this the week after she graduated from college at the tender age of 21.

Now, any cancer survivor will tell you that it's not a solitary journey. And we're only as strong as those around us. Komen has a great term for these people that walk with us on the cancer journey - co-survivor.

When you meet Bridget, you realize quickly that she's a teeny, tiny person with the biggest heart you can imagine. Just when you marvel at the idea that she chose a career that focuses on breast cancer (she coordinates the Susan G. Komen 3 day walks across the country – a big passion of hers) and that she spends her free time working on young women's breast cancer-related issues, she raises the bar again by focusing not on herself, but her co-survivor. And so when Regis and Kelly made the call for stories about people you're thankful for, Bridget answered it as big and energetically as only she knows how. Let me let her tell you the rest in her own words:

A cancer diagnosis at a young age is difficult. Being told by doctors that they did not expect me to see my 30^th birthday at the same time all my friends are celebrating their limitless futures was just incomprehensible. Caitlin, with such strength and grace, stood by me through everything. Caitlin took me out for manicures when all of my other friends didn't know what to say to "the sick girl". The week after I started losing my hair happened to be my birthday, and Caitlin flew in my boyfriend and planned a special trip to the beach to celebrate. Most importantly, she started a team in the NYC Race for the Cure in my name....AND Team Mooney has raised $20,000 for Susan G Komen for the Cure! For a small group of young ladies fresh out of college I found this to be a huge financial accomplishment. We all know how committed I am to the breast cancer cause, particularly for young women. For Caitlin to share in my passion so wholeheartedly really tells you what a wonderful friend she is.

Regis and Kelly agreed with me that Caitlin is just absolutely fabulous. I was in NYC last week to surprise her with a "Thanks-for-Giving" Ambush Makeover. We ambushed her in her kickboxing class to tell her the good news. Many tears were shed. Now she gets to head out into New York and get all glamorous! Oscar Blandi is going to do her hair, she is being taken shopping. It is all so overwhelming and great for her. Even more importantly, I think it is absolutely wonderful that I can tell my breast cancer story to such a huge audience. I am so happy to show how young people can get breast cancer, and how young people can rally together and make a huge difference in this world.

I will be returning to NYC next week to see Caitlin all glammed up for the first time. The Big Reveal will air live on Regis and Kelly at this Wednesday November 21^st, check your local listings because the timing changes city by city. I hope you all will tune in to see Caitlin's transformation. I hope this is a big enough thank you. Nothing can express just how fabulous a friend she is, but I hope this will come close.

From where I sit, they're both so fortunate to have each other. Thanks for reminding us about gracious survivors, incredible, can't-live-without co-survivors and the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Remember to check in with Regis and Kelly on Wednesday to live this experience with Bridget and Caitlyn.

I just turned 37 on November 3 and wanted to do something fun and different with my family. We all went rollerskating and what a wonderful time. Much to my surprise I did not fall but watch everyone fall like bowling pins! My world came falling down when I was told last week that my breast cancer might have returned. I had a perfectly fine mammogram in June and now just 4 months later there is a mass in my left breast. My right breast was removed in 2003 followed by reconstructive surgery and then chemotherapy treatments. Now I am going to see my surgeon on Thursday to schedule a lumpectomy. I am shocked but relieved that I know what to expect if the biopsy is positive. I have learned to take one day at a time and that helps both myself and my family stay positive. I am thankful to have such a wonderful group of family and friends. I am staying positive that everything will be okay but I think it is important to be prepared if it not. I have my friends at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to help me through what ever avenue I have to go through. Regardless of my outcome I know that once a survivor, always a survivor!

Please share your story's of survival.

Personal health care experiences have not always been that pleasant but have been effective for me. The diagnosis of breast cancer was introduced to me at the early age of 32. There was a chain of events that took place before I had surgery to remove a 5.2 centimeter mass on my right breast. There were doctors, surgeons, test and medical procedures that I had to experienced.

Quality care is giving a patient respect, informative and correct information, compassion. Communication with the patient and provider is essential for building a relationship. I went to an appointment which began the first of many more trips to the clinic. The doctor was not going to do anything until I told her my mother had breast cancer and stressed that I think I should have a mammogram or something. I had to lie to the doctor just to get a test because I knew something was wrong my mother never had cancer. I went right down to get an ultrasound. The radiologist came in and asked if I could stay to have a mammogram and I said yes. Now I have seen two doctors who both seem perplexed at what the lump and both said because of my age is more then likely just a clogged milk duct because I had stopped breast feeding my daughter a couple of months earlier. The radiologist then came in to tell me that I have to see the surgeon to have the lump removed because it was too big to leave as well as two other pea size lumps. I walked down to see the surgeon which is the third physician I saw in this one trip to the clinic. At this point it was a very long and stressful day but I did read about a years worth of People magazines in a day's time. The physician explained that due to my age and with no prior family history because I did have to tell my mother did not ever have cancer. I left the clinic feeling very confident and comfortable with my surgeon and the staff that day. The surgeon told me that he was 75 % sure it was nothing. Everyone was pleasant, professional and I was pleased that the quality care and service that I received that day was structured and quick. The experience that I had that day was not what I expected because the tests were done so quickly. When I left the clinic I had an ultra sound, mammogram, and saw three physician's one who was my surgeon and whom scheduled me for surgery to have a lumpectomy within two weeks. This experience did meet my expectations because everyone involved was looking out for my best interests. All the health care personal were helpful, reassuring and quick to help solve my health care concerns.

On November 25 my experience was not as reassuring. My surgeon reassured me that he was 75 % sure I did not have breast cancer stood by my bed in the recovery room to tell me he was so sorry to have to confirm that I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. I was so upset and believed that my surgeon was very unprofessional and out of line by telling me my chances for having breast cancer was only 25 %. At the time of my first appointment I trusted what my physician said to me. I would have not been so confident that everything was going to be fine. If my surgeon said he didn't know if it was cancer or not would have not given me false hope or being blind sided with the final outcome. I have mixed emotions about my service. I received wonderful service on the initial day that I went to the clinic and everyone was so helpful. It did take all day to get the test done but I knew it would be worth it at the end of the day. Looking back at the chain of events the only thing that I do not agree with is my surgeon telling me he does not think I have breast cancer because of my age and having no family history? I know now that cancer has no limits and age or family history does not matter. I had a complete mastectomy, tram-flap reconstructive surgery and immediately followed with chemotherapy. I made history for my daughter and will always educate her to know her body and make sure she is a strong advocate for her own health care needs.

Share your health care experience.

Breast cancer can bring out so many different emotions such as anger, frustration, pity just to name a few. Replacing the awful feelings that breast cancer can give a person can easily be replaced with good and positive outcomes. I was recently reading an article about hypnosis before a breast cancer patient has surgery on the American Cancer Society web site. It explained that women can have fewer side effects after surgery with hypnosis. In my opinion any type of noninvasive procedure that could help and lower side effects of surgery sign me up. Explore all the opportunities that are out there for breast cancer patients. There are many different treatment options and exploring those options can help breast cancer patients ease the pain and help control all the emotional roller coasters that a cancer patients will go through. What are some of the treatment options you have used?

Having breast cancer was the hardest obstacle I have ever had to endure. There were so many emotions that a person goes through after being told they have cancer. At first I did not know what emotional path I was going to go down. My mind and body were able to find a positive path and I was blessed to spend another day with my family and friends. I refused to let the life threatening cancer take my power to stay positive. It is important to stay positive with treatment, emotions, body changes and financial stress. It took me a while to come to terms with everything that was thrown at me at such an early age. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer helped me understand how much this disease affected so many other people. How could I feel sorry for myself when there were other individuals who have lost their lives to this horrible disease? The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was one of my outlets to help me to completely understanding breast cancer and allowed me to stay focused on the positive things in life.

Please share what your power to stay positive is.

What a wonderful day for a Making Strides event. Over 4,200 walkers attended this years breast cancer walk in Concord New Hampshire. There was $492,616 raised this year! Memorial Field was gorgeous flowing with pink, walkers and volunteer's. It was truly an amazing sight to see. I am very honored to be a member of the committee to help accomplish such a wonderful and meaningful day for all. The concord monitor wrote a fantastic article which will bring tears to your eyes. As a breast cancer survivor the event was a spectacular sight with a warm inviting feeling when you entered the survivor tent. The survivor tent is a special place where survivors and family members can go to reflect. The "BELIEVE" theme was clearly visible with balloons, engraved gold book marks and note paper that allowed people to write and display their personal thoughts. Congratulations to Concord New Hampshire Making Strides against Breast Cancer! And a huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers for all of your hard work.

I lost a friend yesterday. Well, at least in the physical sense. Her name was Vivian Hines and she was larger than life.

Miss Vivvy, as I always called her, was a breast cancer survivor and the very first person I met when I became more deeply entrenched with Susan G. Komen for the Cure as a survivor. I was nervous, it was my first team captains' meeting for the National Race for the Cure as a survivor. And there was Miss Vivvy, ever present, this time checking everyone in for the meeting. She sensed my hesitation and apprehension and announced to me with that big, wonderous smile of hers, that she too was a survivor. She was a vision of loveliness with perfectly put together hair and makeup – and let's not forget those perfectly manicured nails! Her warm welcome was the start of a beautiful relationship.

Miss Vivvy was the backbone of the National Race for the Cure for several years. She volunteered at the office so much that she was eventually hired as the receptionist. And true to form, she did that job with the same passion – and compassion - she did everything else in her life. At her funeral service today, the story was told of how she comforted a woman who called in because her dog was diagnosed with breast cancer. During the course of their 15 minute conversation, Miss Vivvy gave this anxious dog owner the same consideration she would have if I had called in. She was famous in her church and cancer communities for her intricate cake designs. She also ran the BMW Drive for the Cure here locally for years and was a past recipient of their Local Survivor Hero award, among her many other accolades. I had the honor of being introduced by her when I was graced with the Local Survivor Hero award in 2003.

As much as I enjoyed celebrating her life yesterday in a very animated and fitting ceremony, I couldn't stop thinking about how we didn't have to there, in this church today, saying good bye to Miss Vivvy. You see, she had a recurrence, the thing we breast cancer survivors worry about the most. And her recurrence was misdiagnosed several times and information about her test results wasn't forthcoming because of the "system", so she wasn't able to get treatment in time to save her life. She belonged to one of the country's largest HMOs and they, frankly, failed her.

Listen, I can accept that the "system" isn't perfect and I can accept that as human beings, we sometimes make mistakes. But I can't accept that the "system" doesn't get some front and center priority attention right here and now, especially as we enter an election year. There is a lot we can all do to make our voices heard. We'll talk more about that during the coming weeks and months.

In the meantime, Miss Vivvy, please know that you have left a void, a hole in my heart – and many others. But that as the Reverend said yesterday, you also were a person who lived every waking minute to positively affect the lives of everyone around you. You've touched more people than you can ever imagine and their lives are that much better for it – for you.

God bless you, Our Darling Ms. Vivvy.

I'm a breast cancer survivor. Not a celebrity survivor, the kind everyone knows and immediately empathizes with, nor one who has a foundation in their own name (although it's on my list someday). Just someone living their dreams who, one day, heard those four life changing words, "you have breast cancer".

Those words were pronounced the afternoon of my 33^rd birthday on the phone by my surgeon. I was working from home, healing from the biopsy done the day before, "just to be safe". I answered the phone at about 4:50PM. From that moment on, my life has stopped resembling the life I knew up until that moment. At that moment, I met my New Normal.

I have many passions in life. Two phenomenal boys – the ones I wasn't supposed to be able to give birth to after chemotherapy treatments – a wonderful husband, a great career and some amazing people whom I am blessed to call friends. A favorite among these many passions is the cancer advocacy role I now wear. I didn't go looking for it and I didn't wear the mantel the first time I tried it on. But it's now become the "go to" piece in my closet, the one I come back to time and time again.

In my cancer advocacy, I'm passionate about young survivors. I'm passionate about quality care, informed decisions and the state of our health care system. I'm passionate about quality of life and the dissemination of accurate information. I'm passionate about early detection, regular check ups and health care advocates. I'm passionate about finding a cure.

We have a lot to talk about and explore. We have the energy, spirit and intellect to share and debate.

I can't wait!

I was 32 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer. My daughter Mary was a year old and full of life. I waited until December 26, 2003 to have my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I wanted to have a care free Christmas day with my family. The next day was a grueling 14 hour surgery. My mom and my best friend Diane Lewis came to my rescue everyday. My mom took care of me and Diane took care of Mary while my husband Chuck went to work. I will never forget the day the Avon Walk entered my life. Mary and my mom were spending the day with me. The television was on and there was a familiar song that was playing "A thousand miles" by Vanessa Carlton.

Mary and I started to dance, well my arms were moving but Mary was twirling and trying to sing and I looked up and it was the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer advertisement. My mom and I cried because that song was Mary and my song from the day she was born and I said that is our song forever. I was one week out of chemotherapy treatments when I walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was the most inspirational event with a positive atmosphere and incredible energy in the air that makes you feel good. I have met so many amazing individuals that are dedicated in the fight for breast cancer. Stacey and Kayla Harwood attend the Avon Walk with my husband and I every year. Schrodinger Cat's band donates their time to raise money through their music at my fund raising party. Since 2004 I have had a fund raising party to raise breast cancer awareness and money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has allowed me to stay strong and I look forward to attending the walk every year. It gives me a chance to celebrate life and makes me proud to be a survivor. I will continue to do the Avon Walk until I can not do it any more.

You could hear her laugh from across the room. She drew everyone in and spoke to them as if they were old friends. She even made a couple of friends within moments of arriving in New York City -- both from countries other than her own. Henriette Stokes from South Africa is not only a breast cancer survivor, but a role model.

I had the opportunity to interview breast cancer survivor and 1968 Olympic gold medalist, figure skating champion Peggy Fleming. Peggy will be co-hosting 'Frosted Pink,' a landmark television event that will feature a dynamic mix of music, figure skating and Hollywood stars to empower women, raise awareness of women's cancers, and inspire action. It is a mission so powerful that four of America's leading cancer advocacy organizations – the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance – have aligned with 'Frosted Pink' in a united effort to broadast the message to millions who are touched by these diseases.

Kelly: Hi, Peggy. AOL just launched a new breast cancer blog
called United for Pink. I'm so happy to get the chance to talk
to you.

Peggy: Thank you.

Kelly: This 'Frosted Pink' event sounds really exciting.

Peggy: They say the venue is really interesting. It's in an old
airplane hangar. That's a new one for me.

Kelly: So, you're hosting the event?

Peggy: Yes, with Sharon Osbourne.

Kelly: Have you worked with her before?

Peggy: No, but I'm a big fan of hers. I love her attitude and
she's so fun, real positive. I think we'll have a lot of fun
and get our message out to women, and the awareness of early
detection and all these cancers that affect women.

Kelly: You were diagnosed with breast cancer on the 30th
anniversary of your Olypmic victory.

Peggy: Right, nine years ago. I've been doing great since, and I
make sure that I make all of my other appointments, as well.

Kelly: What was your first thought when you found out the news?

Peggy: I think you are pretty shocked. It's huge news. It's like
someone just takes the rug out from underneath you. But after you
get over the initial shock, then you just hunker down and really
do what you have to do.

'Frosted Pink,' presented by sanofi-aventis and Wachovia, will air nationally on ESPN on ABC at 4:00PM this Sunday, October 14. The show will re-air on The Style Network on Monday, October 22 at 8:00PM. Go to www.frostedpink.org for more information.

Saturday morning began the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer. We have a lot of pictures and stories from the entire weekend to catch up on, but I want to quickly share the story that kicked off the AVON walk.

If you're not familiar with the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer, let me tell you a little bit about it. The AVON Walk for Breast Cancer is a project of the AVON Foundation, and it supports the AVON Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade's mission of advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. Funds raised at the AVON New York walk will be managed and disbursed by the Foundation to support five critical areas of the breast cancer cause, including awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services and scientific research, with a focus on the medically underserved.

More that 3,900 people are involved with the walk this weekend -- the largest number in AVON walk history. Additionally, walkers raised 10.2 million dollars!

The woman who started the opening ceremonies, Cara Kealy, had an amazing story. She was breastfeeding her 6-month-old son Harrison, and noticed a lump in her breast. She was absolutely devasated to hear the news that is was cancer. With tears in her eyes, Cara looked out on the crowd and revealed, "I was only 30 years old."

She couldn't bear to imagine a world where her son would grow up without a mother. As she began receiving treatments for her breast cancer, her doctor told her that the treatments would make her infertile. Cara feels absolutely blessed that she and her husband were able to have another baby -- through adoption.

By the fall of 2005, she felt that the breast cancer was behind her. Then she started getting really bad headaches behind her right eye. The doctor told her that she had stage IV metastatic cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. Cancer cells have spread past the breast and axillary (underarm) lymph nodes to other areas of the body, where they continue to grow and multiply. Breast cancer has the potential to spread to almost any region of the body. Treatment of metastatic breast cancer generally focuses on relieving symptoms and extending a woman's lifetime.

"That's it. I'm going to die," Cara thought to herself. Would her boys remember her? Today, stage IV is no longer a death sentence like it used to be. Cara wants to remind everyone that she is living with cancer -- not dying from it.

Hearing these powerful words today ... so inspirational, so real, really gives a person the strength to keep on fighting. Have you ever met anyone with metastatic breast cancer? I found this to be a really powerful story, and a really wonderful way to start the AVON event.

Zenia Alicia Celis was chosen by AVON to present her survivor story during the AVON luncheon. Since I attended the luncheon, I listened to Zenia's beautiful words and took in the story. This strong survivor stood in front of everyone and retold her story -- no matter how painful it was to relive those tough times. I hope you enjoy this touching story as it was told at the AVON luncheon.

Zenia is a survivor from El Salvador. She spoke of her three children, ages 12, 11 and 6 years old with love in her eyes. Zenia said when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she didn't tell everyone. When she finally found the strength to tell her family, everyone was in shock. Her friends thought she was going to die.

Zenia spoke of her confusion. More than anything she could not believe that this could happen to her. She listed the reasons why she was so shocked. She had always taken care of her health by not drinking or smoking. No one in her family ever had breast cancer. Plus, she was only 33 year old.

One fact that was reported at the AVON luncheon was that 70% of women who are diagnosed have no known risk factors. Even if you're in excellent health and have no family history of breast cancer, you can still get the disease.

Her life was in absolute disarray. Her mother had just died, she was divorced and she was a single mother. She relied strongly on her brother and sister for support. There was one person outside of her family that really supported her though. This special person was her boss. (Of all people!) Her boss went with her to talk to the doctor. She was a bit embarrassed at first, but she was thankful. Zenia was treated at the Breast Cancer Institute in El Salvador. Zenia's relationship with her boss has changed and she now views her as a second mother.

Since Zenia has conquered her breast cancer, she sees a different person when she looks in the mirror. She urges others to believe in themselves and to understand that you can fight breast cancer and survive. You don't have to believe that you're going to die.

As Zenia's story drew to a close, she thanked AVON for giving her a second chance at life. Her wish for the future is that the light in her life will light the way for others who have breast cancer. She wants to share her love of life with everyone she meets, and hopes to promote the message of early prevention and detection.

In part one of my long interview with Marisa Acocella Marchetto (on the Comics Alliance site), the Cancer Vixen author waxes prosaic about the world of cartooning, her influences, and looking for the perfect actor to play her husband Silvano opposite Cate Blanchett in the silver screen adaptation of her bestselling non-fiction graphic novel. In this closing part, Marisa shares what she's learned about breast cancer, self-esteem and the abominable, deadly state of health care in America...

United For Pink: Just for the record, how's your health these days?

Marisa: Perfect, but I gotta stop drinking red wine. That's hard!

UFP: I know you've been asked this before, but for those who haven't read your story, why a first-person graphic novel about breast cancer?

Marisa: The creative impulse is a life force. I'd rather focus on birthing a book. I needed a reason to go on besides getting married and sticking around for my loved ones.

UFP: While reviewing Cancer Vixen once more before the interview, on page 94, you remind readers about the high mortality rates among breast cancer patients who have no health insurance, not an unusual problem at all, especially for creative professionals like you. How do you feel about the state of health care in America?

Marisa: It sucks and may our next President solve the biggest problem in the country, that we as a nation do not take care of our own, and our own health. We'd rather have lower taxes than a lower rate of people dying from cancer.

It is a crime. It is immoral.

UFP: I was amazed to read in a New York Times piece about you that one of your previous doctors encouraged you not to joke around about breast cancer, as if drawing from your personal experience was disrespectful in some way. Is that a shared opinion among practitioners of conventional medicine?

Marisa: That was the opinion of a quack. I got a ton of e-mails about that doctor, and one woman who wrote was dying because he misdiagnosed her.