To the Woman Just Diagnosed - A Letter of Hope
From someone who's been where you are now
Insights for Empowerment
Dear Sister,
I know you’re scared. I know the world feels like it’s spinning. I know you can’t catch your breath right now.
I’ve been exactly where you are. And I need you to hear something:
You are going to be okay.
Not because it won’t be hard. It will be. Not because you won’t cry. You will. But because you’re stronger than you know. And you’re not alone.
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
You don’t have to be strong right now. It’s okay to fall apart. It’s okay to be terrified. You don’t have to have it all together.
It’s okay to ask questions. Ask your doctors to explain things multiple times. Bring someone to appointments to take notes. Record consultations if you need to. You’re making huge decisions and you deserve to understand them.
Your feelings are valid. All of them. The fear, the anger, the sadness, the “why me?” moments. Feel it all. Don’t rush through it.
You will find your people. Some will surprise you by showing up. Others will disappoint you by disappearing. Both will teach you something. Hold tight to the ones who stay.
Your body is not betraying you. It’s fighting for you. Even when it doesn’t feel like it. Be gentle with it. Speak kindly to it. It’s doing the best it can.
One day at a time. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the next step. Then the next. That’s all you can do. And it’s enough.
What I Know Now
I know that the diagnosis isn’t the whole story. It’s just the entry point into a deeper part of yourself you haven’t met yet.
I know that healing happens—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.
I know that you will look back on this season one day and be amazed at your own strength.
Conclusion
You didn’t choose this. But you can choose how you walk through it.
With faith. With courage. With the knowledge that you are held by something bigger than this diagnosis.
I’m cheering for you. Praying for you. Believing in you.
You’ve got this, sister.
With love and hope, Deb
Encouraging Nuggets
For Right Now:
Breathe. Just breathe.
You don’t have to make all decisions today.
Build your support team.
Trust that you will find your way through.
Scripture: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” – Isaiah 41:10