A phone call on the way out the door to work changed Paulette Neff's life. Her doctor told her she had breast cancer.

"I could go to work or stay home and feel sorry for myself. I went to work," she said.

She relied on co-workers at Mandan High School to help her through the day. She told her husband and daughter her diagnosis that evening. Neff used her skills and resources working in the library to learn everything she could about invasive ductal carcinoma. Through her research, she decided to go through chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Neff had both treatments in 2004 in Bismarck. The radiation treatment was at the Bismarck Cancer Center, a partnership of Medcenter One and St. Alexius Medical Center. She had 33 rounds of radiation.

The treatments are done every day, except weekends. The length of treatment depends on the person. An average is 42 treatments, which takes eight weeks. The center can do about 35 to 40 treatments per day. People come in for treatment and can leave when they are done. It takes about 15 minutes for a treatment.

"I couldn't imagine traveling someplace else when you have state-of-the-art treatment here," she said. "The quality of care is exceptional."

She considered going to Minneapolis for treatment and staying with her daughter.

The cancer affected her right breast. For treatment, the radiation was targeted to that area. Five tattoos help line up the machine to give the radiation to the right area.

Radiation therapy can be similar to getting an X-ray, said Amy Gross, lead radiation therapist said. It works by aiming the radiation at the cancerous area. The beam of radiation kills the cells. Any healthy cells can regenerate, while the cancerous cells cannot, Gross said.

During treatment, creams are used to protect the skin. In the longterm, Neff noticed a difference in the skin on her right breast.

"The technicians take a really good look at the skin to make sure it is holding up," Neff said.

The daily visits for a month create a closeness with the center staff. When Neff comes in for visits, she likes to see the technicians to say hello.

"They made me feel at ease," she said. "I'm putting my life in their hands. With their knowledge, they're doing the best for me they can."

Neff will give back to the cancer center by volunteering at the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation's Applefest at Buckstop Junction. The inaugural event is Oct. 6. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for teens, students and seniors. Children 12 and younger are free.

The proceeds of the fundraiser will help the cancer center provide patient and family support services, counseling, transportation and temporary housing. Some patients come more than 100 miles away for treatment, said Kyle Darras, family nurse practitioner. at the cancer center.

The event features an apple bakeoff, an apple bake sale, entertainment, vendors and the Buckstop Junction buildings are open for viewing. There will be activities for children, including face painting, inflatables and a climbing wall. For adults, there is the Pioneer Auto Club classic car show, American Indian story telling and musical performances.

The Red Hat Society that Neff belongs to will work the auction.

"I'm looking forward to it," Neff said. "I hope it becomes an annual event."