PORTLAND, Ore. - One of our family members here at KATU is sharing her story in the hopes that it will help others.

Problem Solver Reporter Shellie Bailey-Shah was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer and underwent a double mastectomy.  She has since been going through chemotherapy and faces a long road ahead.

Videos: In Shellie's Own Words

• Latest update: Getting tested for the breast cancer gene
• Bye bye hair
• Starting chemo
• The first checkup
• The surgery
• The diagnosis     

This is a very difficult time for her, as it is with anyone who is fighting the disease, but she hopes that her experience will teach others about the importance of self examinations and early detection.

"When I told my friends about my diagnosis, many of them said - you know, I don't do regular self exams," Shellie explained. "And that's the one and only reason why I decided to share this very personal struggle."

• E-mail her your well wishes

• Early detection and screening
• Breast self-awareness

OHSU Cancer Institute offers workshops on how to perform the new self breast exam for women who are at a higher risk. To schedule an appointment to learn how to perform the new self exam, contact Joan Laufer, N.P., (503) 418-8048; lauferj@ohsu.edu. 

General Information About Breast Cancer

• New: Genetics and breast cancer risk
• Susan G. Komen
• Oregon Health and Science University