My Name is Judith Melchreit and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid-December 2000, one month short of my 42nd birthday. I had a lumpectomy, an axillary lymph node dissection and underwent four and a half months of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation. I have a most extraordinary group of friends and family who supported me throughout what we refer to as "Our Really Big Adventure." This book started out as cookbook in tribute to these friends, but changed along the way. As one pal put it, "What we really needed last year when you told us you were sick was a manual titled, How to Help Your Girlfriend Have Cancer." So, here it is.

It is my story of how we got through it; what helped, and what didn't. I have young children, so a lot of the advice is geared toward young families. It is not intended to tell another Pink Ribbon Warrior (breast cancer patient) how she should do it. Everyone has her won style and will find what is comfortable. We hope this helps make the cancer experience a little easier for other warriors and friends.

I have tried to tell my cancer story so that others might have some idea of what to expect. Of course, I can only speak from my own experience. I have included very little real medical information. First of all, it's boring to anyone but the patient and her doctor. Secondly, every case is so unique that discussing the specifics of my treatment contributes nothing. I had been warned about surfing the internet for cancer information because there is a lot of misinformation out there. Also, when you are first diagnosed there is a tendency to read everything you can find about cancer without really knowing if it applies to your situation. Please don't just start surfing and reading until you understand EXACTLY what YOU have and can interpret what you read. Otherwise, you are going to be quickly overwhelmed and want to throw yourself under a bus before your doctors can do anything

In the section titled, "Notes from Other Warriors," other cancer survivors have generously shared their personal stories and advice to girlfriends. Through the cookbook and website we have included lots of tips and advice for Pink Ribbon Warriors and their friends. The "Notes to Girlfriends" are ideas and suggestions for family and friends of cancer patients. The "Warrior to Warrior" notes are my tips for women currently undergoing chemotherapy. When I was diagnosed, my friends all wanted to do something, but no one (including me) had any idea what it was that I needed. I hope these little notes will give you some idea of what you can do when you or someone you love is diagnosed.