Announcing a cancer diagnosis can be scary. I personally believe what makes it the hardest is that once you put it out there....it's real. There's no more thinking that it may just go away or was a bad dream. I had no idea what to expect when I made my post, but the outpouring of love and support from family and friends was AMAZING. In all honestly, it was probably one of the days I have felt the most loved on this earth. I received words of encouragement, inspirational scripture, and prayers from so many people. I even heard from people I wasn't expecting to hear from. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and are unsure of when and how to tell your story, I encourage you to pray over it. Choose a time and method that both feel right to you. It's okay if you want to keep it within a small circle and it's also okay if you want to tell everyone at once on social media. Do what feels right for you. The only advice I have for anyone facing this disease is to make sure you have some kind of community to support you, no matter how big or small your circle is. Be open and honest with them about what you need. Do you need physical help getting places or getting things done at home? Do you need emotional support and need someone to check in on you each day? Whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask. If someone offers help, let them. It is a way for them to show love to you and take care of you, even if you aren’t used to it. It felt awkward at first accepting meals, rides for my kids, etc., but the truth is, I needed the rest. Cancer is a rollercoaster ride physically, mentally and emotionally, and a great support system makes a huge difference. When I decided to share my diagnosis on facebook it went a little something like this......

I’ve been dreading making this post. Maybe it’s because once you put it in words, you can’t pretend it’s not happening. One month ago, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I’ll be having exploratory surgery tomorrow to see if they can figure out what stage I am and learn more about my cancer and how to treat it. Thursday I will have my port placed. Right now, the plan is to do two months of chemo and I will start next week. This will be followed by surgery to remove my entire stomach and then two more months of chemo. I’m not angry. I’ve accepted this diagnosis, and I know there is a purpose for it even if I don’t know what it is right now. I’m not as scared as I expected to be. I am determined to fight this with my faith, a positive attitude and humor. I know this is a long, hard fight and there will be good days and bad days. I would love for anyone who feels comfortable to send words of encouragement and prayers to me throughout this journey to help me on the hard days. More importantly, I ask that you pray for my family as they are a witness to my journey.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.