In our EndNotes column today, we answered a question about why people tell cancer horror stories to people going through cancer treatment. Or why they react in weird ways to cancer news. For instance, when my co-author, Catherine Johnston, confided in a colleague that she was taking several weeks off for cancer treatment, the woman replied, “I have news, too. I’m getting a new job!”

Cathy stood up and left the room.

The column is a good reminder (to me!) to listen better to all stories, especially those involving suffering. It seems like it's helpful to share a similar story (it conveys you know what they are feeling, etc.) but people about 99 percent of the time just want their story listened to.

 On Tuesday, 37-year-old Guiliana Rancic, the host of E!, will undergo a bilateral mastectomy. The young woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer; she told reporters that she does not want to spend the rest of her life  wondering if the cancer has returned in her breasts.

When diagnosed, women often have a choice among various combinations of surgery, radiation and/or chemo, depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. Rancic is choosing to avoid chemo and radiation by opting for the surgery.

Many women, who may be genetically predisposed to breast cancer, face the question of prophylactic mastectomy as a way to prevent the disease from occurring as well as ease the stress of constant monitoring.  FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) is a nonprofit organization for women whose family history and genetic status puts them at high risk for ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer. Their website offers women - “previvors” and survivors - a chance to access information and each other.

When I faced my own breast cancer treatment choices, I told my husband that I was so frightened by it all, I didn’t know where I would find the courage to do what I needed to do. In a gentle reply he said, “I have lots of courage, you can have some of mine.” Guiliana will be able to draw on the courage of all the women who have gone before her, who have made these choices from hell - and are now living healthy, amazing lives. I am happy to offer her my courage, too.

Our EndNotes column alternates on Tuesdays in the S-R with Dr. Alisa Hideg, a family medicine physician at Group Health’s Riverfront Medical Center. In this week's column, Dr. Hideg tells readers of her breast cancer diagnosis and debuts her bald look - a result of chemotherapy treatment. She promises to tell us more in the weeks ahead.

Hideg's common sense advice and insights into a cancer diagnosis will bring comfort and wisdom.  Eating good, nourishing foods helps one to recover strength and maintain focus. Exercise keeps one's body strong and releases tension and anxiety that make their home in a patient's life.  Asking for what one needs and indulging in simple pleasure bring laughter and fun.

 How do I know that Dr. Hideg's advice is good advice? I am a breast cancer survivor…Seven years ago I spent my summer with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I am grateful for amazing docs and faithful friends.

 Alisa, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this journey.

To learn more about breast cancer resources, go to www.breastcancer.org