What would you tell yourself on the day you were diagnosed?

I would tell myself you are stronger than you think you are and to listen to your body.It will give you signs if you are doing too much.I didn’t realise how tiring recovering from major surgery can be or that recovery can have peaks and troughs.Also that you can feel emotional post op.What helped me was to find a gentle hobby to pass the time during recovery.I took up painting and drawing and genealogy.Sitting outside in the garden with the birds was beneficial mentally I wrote down 3 small things to do each day to keep motivated.I was recovering alone during lockdown so it was tough at times but I got through it.I felt a sense of achievement at that as my prognosis was bleak.That was almost 7 years ago.Jane 

Hi winkers60 

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here. Recovering alone during lockdown must have brought some unique challenges.

There is so much helpful advice in what you've shared. I especially like your reminder to listen to your body and your suggestion of finding a gentle hobby to help pass the time during recovery.

On the day? 

Put my affairs in order to make sure husband could manage and wrote a tearful letter to my daughter

Needless to say it was a tad premature but taught me one lesson....always be prepared for the world to be without you

A week later when my oncologist told me he would cure me I believed him and just got on with it.

I researched a lot on Google but I'm medically qualified and knew where to look and what to dismiss. I needed to know everything which helped no end. Imagining the worst is a cancer sufferer's worst enemy

If could go back to the day I was diagnosed, I would tell myself to ask more questions.

I had what was meant to be a straightforward gallbladder removal in December 2025. Then, in February 2026, I was told that the pathology results showed gallbladder cancer. The shock was overwhelming. I don’t think anything can prepare you for hearing those words when you were expecting to be told everything was fine.

My husband was by my side, but neither of us was prepared for that news. Looking back, I think we were both so stunned that we simply listened to what we were being told without really asking the questions we wanted answered.

The past few months have been a real rollercoaster. It wasn’t until I met my oncologist in June that I finally felt fully informed and reassured. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answer my questions, and help me understand my treatment plan. Looking back, I wish I’d felt able to ask more questions from the very beginning, as having a better understanding would have helped me feel more in control.

Throughout this journey, my husband has been my rock. From the day of my diagnosis to now, he has supported me every step of the way, and I honestly don’t know how I would have managed without him.

I’m currently on cycle 3 of 8 of my oral chemotherapy treatment, so there’s still a way to go before treatment is complete. Some days are harder than others, but I’ve learned to take each day as it comes, celebrate the small milestones, and hold on to hope..

My advice to me would be this: don’t lose hope. Ask questions, lean on the people who care about you, and remember that it’s okay to have good days and bad days. Take each day as it comes and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.

Hi Dylan,Thank you.The recovery process was slow but I was helped through it by this community.Best wishes Jane