We talked about fertility and quality-of-life issues. We also had the “before and after” conversation. I showed Anderson pictures taken days before I started chemo. I wanted her to see that I wasn’t always the kind of woman who wore high-collar shirts and slept away the weekend.

When she asked to see pictures of me during chemo, I reluctantly pulled out the only one I took of myself without a wig. I cringed, but she said, “You looked so pretty.”

She told me about StupidCancer.org, a site by the I’m Too Young For This! Foundation, which offers advocacy tools and coping literature.

We discovered her birthday is two days after mine, and promised we would celebrate together in June. We talked about going to Ireland or New York. Or at least to Key West. I can’t imagine a more simpatico travel companion.

MY STORY

Part 1: At age 33, I’m dealing with breast cancer

Part 2: Cancer treatment complicates dreams of pregnancy

Part 3: Hanging in when chemotherapy gets rough

Part 4: Tough surgery choices: Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy

Part 5: Silicone implans are not the only way to go in breast reconstruction

Part 6: Rebuilding the breast from body tissue

Part 7: Body fat can be used to build breast

Part 8: Facing my fears after mastectomy

Part 9: Taking control of the fear that comes with breast cancer

Part 10: Doctor knows about being a breast cancer survivor

Part 11: Radiation therapy gives her hope

Part 12: Finding strength from others

Part 13: Facebook, medication help breast cancer patient deal with depression

Part 14: A new outlook on 2012

Part 15: Breast cancer patient faces genetic mystery

Part 16: Using diversion to cope with harsh reality

Part 17: After radiation therapy ends

Part 18: Friend’s breast cancer journey is not as fortunate

Part 19: Anti-tumor meds come with scary story

Part 20: Reentry into the world after breast cancer treatment

Part 21: Too much fear, too little trust

Part 22: Chemo brain complicates return to work

Part 23: The Cancerous tumor is gone, not the fear

Part 24: Drawing strength from a singer’s defiant spirit

Part 25: A breast cancer message at Ultra Music Festival

Part 26: High hope for new drug

Part 27: Religion is an unavoidable topic

From the Editor: Journalist confronts cancer, takes readers along