I am asked fairly often how I told people I had breast cancer. The simple answer is I just told people.

I just had the inquiry come to me from a breast cancer charity I really respect, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, so I thought I would just write a quick post.

How to tell people you have breast cancer?

Just tell people calmly and in a forthright manner. It’s unpleasant for others to hear and it’s always startling, but the calmer you are about it and the more matter-of-fact the easier it is for your loved ones and friends to deal with.

And remember it’s happening to you, not anyone else. Do not make the mistake of taking other people’s reactions on as your personal burden. That sounds a little cold, but that is not how I intend it. It’s just that when you are dealing with this disease called breast cancer, you have enough on your plate without being responsible for how others react to it.

There is no magic wand for anything having to do with breast cancer, so you have to manage things as best you can, putting yourself first. It’s another part of being your own advocate.

Recently I have learned of more women I know being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment. I’d say welcome to the club, but it’s not a club any woman (or man) chooses. But how you approach the whole thing makes all the difference.

Be positive. Be direct. Be yourself.

Every day I know I am one of the lucky ones. And I am thankful. But for the Grace of God couldn’t be more true.

I am writing this post on a Thursday, so I am thinking as I close, that we need to change up tired hashtags like #TBT or #ThrowBackThursday and instead switch it up to something else. I am thinking #ThankfulThursday.

Have a great evening dear readers!