Dealing With A Serious Diagnosis

Hearing you have a serious medical condition is something none of us are truly prepared for. This course is designed to support the newly-diagnosed and offers compassionate guidance through five key aspects of post-diagnosis life, from someone who has walked in your shoes. Together, we’ll navigate receiving the diagnosis and your immediate next steps; the pros and cons of informing others; practicalities of what to expect and how to prepare for treatment; physical effects and the importance of rest; and the emotional effects of a diagnosis, with tips on finding support in your wider community.

Leçon 1: Diagnosis And Next Steps - Hold

Receiving a serious diagnosis can feel like the world has been turned upside down. This episode focuses on taking time to process the news and care for yourself before diving into practicalities. You are encouraged to pause, acknowledge your emotions, and lean into your preferred coping methods, while limiting immediate decisions and conversations to only what’s urgent.

Leçon 2: Tellling People - Discernment

This episode focuses on the delicate process of deciding who to tell about your diagnosis and when. Sharing is YOUR choice, and taking time to process before telling others can conserve your precious emotional energy. Practical advice is offered for navigating conversations with family, friends, and workplaces, including strategies for managing reactions and setting boundaries. You'll also explore the benefits and challenges of different communication methods, from text messages to social media, and learn why prioritising your own well-being is key as you plan these discussions.

Leçon 3: Practicalities - Ask

In this episode, we discuss the importance of asking for help during treatment and recovery, reflecting on the challenge of accepting support, especially when you’re used to being independent. Linda shares practical advice for requesting help with daily tasks, like transport, meals, and household chores, and explains how to navigate the Ring Theory of Support—ensuring that emotional burdens are not placed on those closest to you. The value of community resources is highlighted; and the importance of asking for specific help from reliable people, and creating a list of needs to refer to when the time comes is discussed.

Leçon 4: Physical Effects - Rest

In this episode, we explore the importance of rest during treatment and recovery. It's essential to allow yourself time to rest, even when you're accustomed to pushing through. Rest supports physical, mental, and emotional healing, and it’s crucial to prioritise self-care, especially during a health challenge. We also touch on how to manage side effects, the need for a balanced approach to exercise, and the value of listening to your medical team’s advice. Ultimately, rest is a key pillar of recovery, and it’s vital to give yourself permission to take it seriously.

Leçon 5: Emotional Effects - Support

In this final episode, we delve into the ongoing emotional effects of a diagnosis, focusing on the theme of support. We discuss the impact a diagnosis can have on self-image, relationships, and mental health, including the challenges of adjusting to a new reality. Linda shares personal insights on navigating body image, identity shifts, and the importance of professional support, such as counselling and support groups. Also highlighted, is how a health event can lead to personal growth and new opportunities, encouraging you to stay connected to your journey and embrace the changes that come with it.

Reviews

Very grateful for this compassionate and practical course. Extremely helpful guidance for navigating this challenging period. It's like someone holding your hand offering gentle words of wisdom, support, hope and courage. Thanks so much 🙏and enjoy your archeological dig 😊

Excellent advice for anyone with a difficult diagnosis. I’m one year out from my stage IV cancer diagnosis and getting used to the new reality has taken time. Thank you for this course, and many blessings.

I very helpful series of important and practical wisdom to help people moving through significant health challenges. For the parts I have already been though I can say Linda is spot on! For the part I have left to deal with she gave me some good food for thought. I will listen again and check back to see if she has any other courses or meditations that would be helpful as I move through my cancer diagnosis. I wish I would have found this even sooner!