15 days after learning she had stage 3 breast cancer, Rebbeca Turner began chemotherapy treatment.    

"There definitely is an initial shock, nobody is prepared to be told they have cancer," said Breast Cancer Patient Rebbeca Turner.

Oncologist Ruth O'Reagan is often the doctor who has to deliver the news.    

"The first question is usually, 'is this curable?'" said Dr. O'Reagan.     

Dr. O'Reagan says asking your doctor a lot of questions is the best way to get started.    

"Always think about getting another opinion. If you're not clear in your mind as to the approach that's going to be taken, absolutely go and get a second opinion," she said.

She said patients can sometimes be overwhelmed with information.  
 
"Use the internet wisely, go to sites that are recommended," said Dr. O'Reagan    

Web sites like the National Cancer Institute's www.cancer.gov and the American Cancer Society's www.cancer.org offer helpful information. 

Rebbeca says she learned to tackle decisions one at a time.   

"Taking it in little tiny pieces like that instead of trying to get my arms around the fact that, you know, i could die, made it possible for me to get through things," said Rebbeca.   

She said making a plan is helping her beat cancer.