Like Beverly, my life was turned upside down. Everything else was put on hold, because, from the moment I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my new life was all about how to rid my body of this disease. And my attitude was simple: take my breast if it will save my life. I was (and am) very clear about what is important. "The emotions and feelings that Beverly writes about - and encourages you to write about - in this journal were the types of emotions with I had to deal. Yes, I kept a journal (I'm a JOURNALIST, for goodness' sake), but I wish I'd had this one, because it helps guide you through the journey and gives you ways to express yourself during what can be, no matter how many friends or how much family you have, a lonely time. Besides, what I found that writing about the experience, even keeping notes on my feelings, mental and physical, helped me understand what I really WAS feeling.

My Healing Companion is not only a useful tool, it comes from someone who's been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. Moreover, she's taken those experiences and put them together in this journal in such a way as to help you get to the heart of your own emotions.

Look, we all know good thoughts won't cure cancer. But you can help yourself in many ways. And this is one of them.

Put down in this journal what makes you happy, what makes you sad, who you can count on, what you need, what you're not getting, what you can drawn on to get through your bout with cancer, what makes you
laugh - and I assure you that if you're open to it, you will find laughter in the experience.You will find life worth living, even while going through cancer. After all, YOU ARE A SURVIVOR. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading this.

So welcome to the club you never wanted to join. You'll meet a lot of nice people in this club. You already know that, from the minute you were diagnosed with cancer, your life changed forever. Like Beverly and the thousands of others who have taken this disease head on, I believe what counts is enjoying the time you have, be it 10 days or 100 years - while you keep on fighting, for yourself, your sisters, and all our daughters.

Best of luck on your journey.