Oct 22, 2025
Hey there. October rolls around, and suddenly everything is pink. We see the ribbons, the fundraising runs, the social media posts. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while it’s great to see the support, I want to talk about what often gets lost in the pink—the messy, emotional, very human side of a breast cancer diagnosis. Because it’s so much more than a physical battle; it’s a journey of the heart and mind.
When someone hears the words, “you have breast cancer,” their world instantly splits in two: the life they had before that moment, and the unknown that comes after. It’s completely normal to feel like you’ve been thrown into a story you never wanted to be in. And what follows isn't just a medical treatment plan; it’s a rollercoaster of grief. We usually think of grief when someone dies, but we also grieve the loss of our health, our sense of safety, and the life we thought we were going to have.
This kind of grief doesn't follow a rulebook. You might feel numb and in denial at first, thinking, “This can’t be happening to me.” Then, anger might bubble up—anger at your body, at the unfairness of it all, or even at people who are perfectly healthy. You might find yourself making bargains with the universe, thinking, “If I just do everything perfectly, I can fix this.” There will likely be moments of deep sadness, a heavy feeling that comes from losing parts of yourself you cherished. And eventually, you might find a sense of acceptance—not about being “okay” with cancer, but about accepting that this is your new reality and finding a way to move forward with it.
All of these feelings are normal. They are all valid. There is no “right” way to feel, and there is no timeline you have to follow.
I’ve seen this up close in my own life. When my family received shocking health news about a loved one, it was like a shockwave that changed everything for all of us. It taught me that a diagnosis doesn't just affect one person; it sends ripples through an entire family, with everyone trying to cope in their own way. It also taught me that sometimes, the most well-meaning people can say things that hurt more than they help.
When you’re supporting someone going through this, the best thing you can do is simply be there. Please, try to avoid saying things like, “I know how you feel,” or “Everything happens for a reason.” Instead, just listen. Let them be angry, let them be sad, and let them be scared without trying to fix it. A simple, “I’m here with you,” or “This is really hard, and I’m so sorry you’re going through it,” can mean the world.
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us with the most important tool we have: taking care of ourselves, body and mind. All these big, difficult emotions are exactly why taking charge of our physical health is one of the most powerful acts of self-love we can do.
That’s the real message behind all the pink ribbons. It’s a reminder that you are your own best advocate. So, in the middle of all this talk about emotions and coping, I want to give you one very clear, very simple takeaway: Get to know your body. Do your self-checks. And please, make that annual appointment. It might feel awkward or scary, but catching something early can change everything. It can make the physical journey easier, and in turn, lighten the heavy emotional load.
Taking that step is you saying, “I matter. My future matters.” It’s the first and most powerful step in caring for your whole self—body, heart, and mind. So this October, let the pink ribbons be your reminder. Listen to your body, honor your feelings, and never be afraid to put your health first. You are worth it.