Choosing a medical partner is one of the most crucial steps in the healing process. Whatever treatment path you follow -- be it conventional medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or some other modality -- the approach to choosing a doctor should be the same: select a doctor with whom you feel some connection and who has a passion for caring for you as an individual.

To successfully fight a disease, the doctor and patient must form a partnership. It is truly a team effort. The best doctor for you is not necessarily the most famous or busiest one, or even the one who treated your friend. Choose a doctor who understands you -- what your needs are and what you can handle. Your treatment must be tailored to you specifically, not a standard medical procedure.

Because breast cancer is caused in part by emotional factors, it is important that you feel comfortable talking with your doctor about how you feel throughout the healing process. Most importantly, choose a doctor who will be supportive of the decisions you make about your treatment. Remember that your doctor is your partner; he or she should never be a source of stress or frustration.

As confusing as the process may be, know that the right answer lies within you. Take your time, and above all, trust your intuition.