Editor’s note: this is the second of a multi-part series on the effects of cancer on both the patient and their families and friends. In future stories we will look at the effect and outcome of additional treatment, surgery and recovery, and other aspects of cancer.  This story contains brief explicit language that some may find objectionable.

SANDPOINT — Debbie Swan has been riding the medical roller coaster a long time. She knew what was coming when she learned her daughter, Tammy Davis, had discovered a lump in her breast.

“They do that with people with cancer,” Debbie said. “I told Tammy, ‘You can’t panic until you get that biopsy’.”

Davis’ initial experience of assessment and diagnosis was just that: a roller coaster of emotion and efforts at self-control based on conflicting and unsubstantiated guesses by her different doctors. Yes, it’s cancer. No, it’s not cancer. When a biopsy finally confirmed the lump in her right breast was cancerous, Davis’ first reaction was concern for her mother.

“When is she going to get a break?” Davis said when her doctor gave her the news.

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