So You Have Cancer…Now What?

If you were recently diagnosed with cancer and you’re trying to figure out what the hell to do next… You’re in the right place.

Cancer is one of the scariest words in the English language, in my humble opinion, especially when someone says it to you and about you. I tend to think in terms of the “worst case scenario” in a thinly veiled attempt to avoid any negative surprises life may present. I don’t know if this keeps my anxiety in check or makes it worse, but I can confidently say there is no feeling quite like hearing your doctor sharing your diagnosis for the first time. The only way I can describe it is heavy... Crushing. Debilitating. Crying-in-the-fetal-position-on-the-floor, awful.

Your mind is probably racing right now as you move in slow motion, but there are a few things I want you to do right now if you haven’t already.

Ready?

1. Cry. Scream. Run. Get your emotions out of your body.
   Our emotions can manifest in very physical ways inside our bodies. Staying “strong” isn’t doing you any favors right now. Whatever it is, I’m officially giving you permission (nay, instruction) to let it out of your body in whatever way you need to. There’s no need and no benefit to storing negative emotions in your body.
   

2. Take a deep breath.
   You have a lot of stress and anxiety coursing through your body right now. Breathing deeply and connecting with your body can help bring your heart rate down and stabilize your blood pressure. There are so many benefits to deep breathing, but the most important thing it can do (in my opinion, as it relates to cancer diagnoses) is strengthen the mind-body connection.
   

3. Tell one person you trust.
   A support system is non-negotiable during this time. Find one friend or family member with whom to share this news. Allow them to be there for you, even if they don’t know what to say. If you don’t have a friend or family member that you are close with, I highly highly recommend finding a good therapist or even an online community (like the Hot Girls Have Cancer Tiktok.)

The most important thing to keep in mind during this journey is that it’s just that…a journey. You don’t have to figure everything out right now. You are allowed to operate day-by-day. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are allowed to rest and simplify your life as you move forward with treatment. I empower you to be selfish right now. Because what you may think is “selfish” is actually self-love, and that’s your biggest asset right now.