If you need to freak out and you will please don t do it in front of a newly diagnosed person. Talk to another friend instead. DO offer a shoulder to cry on. At the appropriate time, you might remind her that many people survive diagnosis and many people live to a ripe old age. DON T ever say what you would do in her situation.
Every situation is different.
There are many different kinds of breast cancer and many different decisions to make. DO give advice only when asked. DO offer to accompany your friend to doctor appointments. Suggest taping doctor s discussions. Help prepare a list of questions for the doctor.