(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Maura Tierney says that her battle with breast cancer made her closer with her family.

The 47-year-old was diagnosed with the disease in 2009 and had kept details of her treatment private.

But now she is speaking out to People and reveals how she felt when she found out.

"I remember thinking, I'm so young, this can't be happening,'" she told the publication. "It was an odd moment.

Maura is best known for her portrayal of Dr Abby Lockhart in medical TV show ER, a part she played for 10 years.

After Maura underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy which leaves the skin intact for later reconstructive surgery, she had to undergo three months of chemotherapy.

"It's not fun," she shared. "You don't feel well. But if you take care of yourself and exercise, it helps. Exercising is extremely important."

Maura is now guest-starring on The Good Wife and says there has been a positive outcome from her ordeal.

"I think I always kind of lived in the moment," the actress said who is now a spokeswoman for Amgen's Chemotherapy: Myths or Facts campaign. "But I spend a lot more time with my family now that's one solid difference." (C) Cover Media