When you learn you have breast cancer, lean on your friends, breast cancer survivors, and treatment team while you decide what’s best for you. Here’s how one woman took control of her diagnosis.

It can be a big shock to find out you’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis, even if it’s in the early stages. There’s a lot of information you have to take in about your diagnosis and treatment options — when you’re already stressed and overwhelmed about what comes next.

But once the initial shock wears off, you can start to prepare for the road ahead. This includes self-advocating for your care.

Healthline spoke with Adrienne Slaughter about her experience with stage 0 (precancerous) ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer and what her advice is for others going through a similar experience.

This interview has been edited for brevity, length, and clarity.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 years old when I had my very first mammogram. It was DCIS, and it was found only in my right breast in three different places.

But it wasn’t my first rodeo with cancer. When I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a malignant form of bone cancer. I underwent aggressive chemotherapy and had surgery to remove my leg.

My parents did a great job of advocating for me as a teen with cancer. So, I had their example to follow.

When I learned about my breast cancer diagnosis, I jumped into action. I confirmed the diagnosis by getting a second opinion. I asked questions and consulted my treatment team to decide on a plan of action. And I ultimately decided to get a double mastectomy.

It helped that I was able to talk to other women who had gone through breast cancer. I’d already been involved in the American Cancer Society cancer survivor community since my teens, after my first cancer diagnosis. That’s where I heard that the majority of those who received a lumpectomy for breast cancer had it return. [Note: The recurrence rate varies based on factors like age and follow-up treatment.]

Unlike other cases of breast cancer caused by genetics or hormones, mine was caused by the radiation that was done to my lungs as a teenager to treat the bone cancer. Knowing this, I felt chances were I would get it in the left breast, too. So, a double mastectomy felt right for me. And in fact, during the surgery, the pathologist located breast cancer in my left breast, which hadn’t come up on the mammogram or MRI.

Before I went through the double mastectomy and reconstruction, I met with several plastic surgeons. I’m so glad I did. There were two I didn’t click with, but I finally did with the third. And we still keep in touch. So, be picky! They are your breasts, and it’s your life.

When I went to get the biopsy done after my MRI, I went by myself. I thought, “I’ve been through cancer already. I’m fine.” But I wish I hadn’t gone alone.

I had three really good friends who had gone through breast cancer, and two of them gave me great support. They also shared recommendations for doctors and plastic surgeons to see for breast reconstruction after my double mastectomy. And their support was phenomenal.

So, I strongly suggest that anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer talk to friends or maybe even a friend of a friend who has been down that road before. Ask them questions. They are better than Google! And take what you read on social media about breast cancer with a grain of salt unless it’s from a reputable organization.

I also joined different support groups. One was part of the hospital where I had my surgery. Listening to what other cancer patients had gone through was so helpful. I also found Cancer Support Community to be great. And all of these services are free.

I always look at the bright side.

Life is like the weather. When there’s thunder and lightning in our lives, when there are major thunderstorms, or when a monsoon is happening, keep your faith. There’s sun behind those clouds. It might not shine tomorrow. It might not shine in a week or two. It might take a few months. But it’s going to shine again. And when it does, it’s going to shine bright.

Adrienne Slaughter, 58, is a motivational speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. A two-time cancer survivor, Adrienne underwent treatment for bone cancer as a teenager and breast cancer in her 40s. Now cancer-free, she loves to share smiles and motivate others. You can find out more about Adrienne by visiting her website, Adrienne Speaks With a Smile.