Let Some Things Go. At least once a day, I allowed myself to say mentally, "Who cares?" as I let go of old rigid ways of living. If the house wasn?t in tip-top shape, I said, "Who cares?" If I forgot to floss my teeth, I just let it go. This technique helped reduce stress.

Let Your Hair Down. Right after the diagnosis, it helps to confide in someone who can handle whatever emotions you may express. Find someone you feel completely safe with ? a sweetheart, a friend, a sister, a minister or rabbi, a counselor ? and really let it all out.

Find People To Hug. I was surprised to find that most people love to be hugged but may be too shy to make the first move. I initiated a hug whenever I felt the need for comfort. I was never disappointed. People responded warmly -- and invariably I felt better.

Tap Into Your Faith. This is probably the most important piece of advice I can offer. Without exception, every religion offers comfort to help us endure life?s trials. You may want to join a prayer group at your synagogue or church. It also helps to read inspirational books and scripture. And to find favorite prayers and say them often.

Be Patient With Yourself. There will come a day when your diagnosis is not the first thing on your mind when you wake up in the morning. For the first few months, though, you may find yourself dwelling on the diagnosis and reliving the events of surgery and other treatments. This is perfectly normal.

Give Yourself Time To Cry. You may find yourself grieving as if you?d lost your best friend. This is the result of shock and is also perfectly normal. I started crying on day one of my diagnosis and continued having at least one good cry a day for a few months afterwards. The tears seemed to help me heal emotionally. But if crying is not your way of handling stress, that?s fine too. Everyone is different.

Take Naps. Naps are immensely therapeutic, especially if you?re undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Eight months after my diagnosis, I still enjoy a hearty nap every day. Even 20 minutes can make a big difference in your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Set Limits. If you are feeling overwhelmed ? by work duties, household tasks, social commitments ? it?s time to make some changes. I make a list of what I have to do each day. If the list is too long and I?m feeling overwhelmed, I figure out what can be postponed ? or what can be delegated to someone else. I?ve learned that it is okay to say "no" to people who may be expecting too much of me. It is also okay to pare back on volunteer activities and social commitments.

Ask For Help. If you have small children and many commitments, enlist a friend or relative to help you. You?ll find that people are eager to help. When they ask you what they can do, have some specifics in mind, like "Could you watch Johnny on Friday afternoon when I go to the doctor?s office?" or "Could you pick up some groceries for me?"

Get The Support You Need. A nearby support group for women with breast cancer helped me considerably during the six weeks following my diagnosis. After that, I found the support I needed from my family and friends. Only you can decide if a group is right for you.

Do nice Things For Yourself. So often we equate being nice to ourselves with buying stuff. But you can treat yourself without running up your credit card debt. Check out books from the library, rent a funny video, feed the ducks at the lake, ask your sweetie for a foot massage, take a hot bath. And if you need to sleep 10 hours a night, give yourself permission to do it.

Forgive Yourself. You may forget a dentist?s appointment or neglect to send Aunt Martha a birthday card. You may not feel like returning phone calls. It?s okay. People will understand.

Don?t Blame Yourself. No one knows what causes breast cancer. Don?t try to figure out what you did to bring on this illness. When I find myself wondering, "Did I take the right vitamins? Did I exercise enough?" I remind myself that no one is to blame. There are no answers.

Remember That You Are Not Alone. There are millions of women who are making this journey with you. And millions of women have survived breast cancer for many years. You are a survivor too.

Lorraine Murray is a freelance writer living in Decatur, GA. She was a contributor to A Breast Cancer Journey: Your Personal Guidebook, published by the American Cancer Society.