In yesterday's New York Times, actress Angelina Jolie revealed she recently had a prophylactic double mastectomy after learning she was at high risk of developing breast cancer after undergoing genetic testing. Angelina penned her story in a published op-ed piece that discussed the genetic mutation that increased her risk of breast cancer and how she came to the decision to have such a drastic surgery. The 37 year old actress publicly disclosed her medical history and decisions so other women may "benefit from her experience". Her words deliver an empowering message that maintains its focus on breast cancer. Never does the piece veer from her mission to educate and encourage women; it never turned into a celebrity biopic that we commonly see when some celebrities are diagnosed with a disease or have a medical scare. I commend Jolie for such a well-written piece and using this experience in a positive way. Read the op-ed here.

Recently, I received an email from a reader who is in a financial dilemma because of the cost of cancer treatment. She is currently employed and on medical leave. Her leave is about to expire, but isn't quite ready to return to work as she is still undergoing treatment. If she does not return to work, she will likely lose her job and benefits.

Unfortunately, this reader's struggle is not uncommon. So many people are in the same situation and are forced between work and health insurance benefits versus taking time to rest and heal. Cancer treatment is no walk in the park and your body needs much more rest and relaxation than normal to properly recover. Work can add undue physical and emotional stress that only adds to the mounting stress and frustration caused by being diagnosed with a serious disease and being treated for it.

Please read my advice to this reader. Perhaps you are going through the same situation or know someone who may benefit from the information. Have you experienced a similar situation? Please tell us your story and if you have any tips or advice in the 'Comments' section below!

There are some people, though they have no medical training, like to lend medical advice to others. When you have cancer, it seems to bring out the "inner-physician" in some people, prompting unwanted medical advice to be given. Though they may mean well, it surely can become annoying!

How do you handle unwanted medical advice? Share how you deal with people who give you unwanted advice.

I have a love/hate relationship with my health insurance provider. When they cover my medications and tests, I am thrilled. But, when I get a letter saying they do not cover a procedure, medication, or test that my doctor believes I need, I feel deflated. Every day, cancer patients receive these denial of coverage letters and phone calls -- even for vital medications like chemotherapy drugs. So, what's a cancer patient to do? What to do when you insurance won't pay...