I have been writing in my professional capacity as psychologist for many years. My writing has been largely academic, describing research and reporting about programs that I have created and implemented. Grant writing and report writing has been another important part of my professional writing. This book has been my first foray into personal writing and it has been a wonderful and totally different kind of experience.

I was eager to share my experiences with breast cancer, and really wanted to get my work out there. Indie publishing has allowed me to do this quickly and easily, without going through the pain of rejection.

The greatest joy of writing is when I am “in the flow,” and become oblivious to my surroundings, allowing my creative juices to percolate through to the proverbial pen and paper (even though I write on a laptop). This is not something that happens with any regularity, or predictability, but I am thankful when it does happen.

Firstly for the woman who has just discovered that she has breast cancer, and is frantic with worry. Secondly, for family members and friends of this woman, so that they can better understand what she may be going through, thus providing her support that is more attuned to her needs. I know that when I had breast cancer the last thing I wanted to do was read a book about it. Having said that, I am sure that there are other women who are looking for help, knowledge and support, that they can find in this book.

More importantly, I believe this book will be very helpful to the spouse, children and friends of a women who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. Going “behind the scenes” into my mind, and joining me as I dissect what was happening to me, what was helpful and what missed the mark, can enrich that inner circle of people surrounding the woman with breast cancer.