Civita Talento, 30, was diagnosed six months ago with breast cancer.

"When I found out, I was petrified because I didn't know what to think, what to feel," Talento said.

She had a lot of questions.

"Like, am I going to make it through this? Am I going to be here in the next 10 years," Talento asked

Talento took notes during her first appointment, but it was all a bit overwhelming.

"There's no way that everything you hear that day will answer all of your questions and there is going to be so much that is overwhelming that a lot you hear that day is going to go in one ear and out the other," UCSD cancer surgeon Dr. Anne Wallace said.

Wallace suggested bringing along a family member or friend to the appointment who can help fill in the blanks.

Talento turned to the Internet. That can be a big mistake, Wallace said. It's scary if you don't know where to look and what to look for, she added.

"It petrified me. Every time I got off the Internet, I would be in tears," Talento said.

"When you get on the Internet and just type in something you are going to get a lot of articles that are not necessarily in good peer review journals. You will get people's opinions. You are going to get a lot of stuff that isn't held to the standard of care," Wallace said.

That's not to say the Internet can't help. It can, if you know where to look. Try:

The American Cancer Society
The National Cancer Institute
San Diego County Cancer Navigator

Joseph Raffa is the director for the San Diego County Cancer Navigator Web site -- a community clearinghouse for cancer patients.

"It's a one-stop shopping. We have all this information in one place. You can find education, support groups, clinical trials, and cancer facilities all on one site," he said.

Support by loved ones is probably one of the most important factors in making it through cancer treatment, Wallace said. .

Talento's brother is by her side during every treatment session.

"I have a lot of family support and very close friends that are very supportive. I could not do it without them, definitely," Talento said.

Talento still has a long road in front of her. She just completed her third round of chemotherapy and has five more to go. She faces six weeks of radiation in the months ahead.

Her goal is to stay positive. Which can make a difference, according to Wallace.

"I see patients with terrible cancers that have a great attitude that will just not let this cancer get to them and they are living way longer they you think they should. And then you see some people succumb to a cancer that they shouldn't," Wallace said.

"You have to keep a good attitude about it and you'll get through it" Talento said.

Talento has three children all under age eight. She said she explained her treatment with them and told them she needed to go through it to get well.