Dear Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patient

Dear newly diagnosed cancer patient,

First off, I am sorry you are here needing this, but I want you to know you are not alone, although it may feel that way. You probably think your life has stopped, but it’s just been rerouted. Life goes on for everyone else even if you feel yours isn’t. You can’t envy everyone for moving on. Your values are different since being diagnosed, but the values of your peers will and have not changed. You may start to feel disconnected from the people in your life.

It’s going to feel lonely at times—even when you do find your people and community, there will be times when you feel that loneliness. Even if you accepted things there would be moments where you really look back and realize it all over again, and that’s OK. Be patient and take your time.