October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have learned a lot from the cancer survivors I have interviewed. I am reminded of the real value of life, how precious it is, and how unimportant our mundane challenges really are.

The challenges that families must face when confronted with a terminal diagnosis of a loved one are complex. They include evolving new structures and dynamics as the person they love slowly slips away.

Understanding my cancer is a never-ending learning experience. Through hours and hours of research, I've become enlightened. There's no how-to book to educate one about the pitfalls and perks surrounding this disease.

Shock is a major part of a breast cancer diagnosis for many men, who are surprised to learn that they can even get the disease.

Dear Amy: We haven't met, but already we're connected because once you've been diagnosed, you're immediately part of a group of people who are coping with breast cancer.