49 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com health & wellness Radiation (May 2026-June 2026) Two days after surgery, I learned I’d need an additional 14 rounds of a different chemotherapy medicine that will take me through January 2027, which will be followed by another surgery – or two. Admittedly, I am still in the middle of this season, and I’m reminded that seasons come and seasons go. With each new season, new changes are ushered in. Hair begins to grow. Scar lines begin to fade. Weekly rhythms begin to resume. But hope needs to remain. Perhaps this article finds you at the beginning of a diagnosis, with questions swirling in your mind and fear of the unknown echoing through your thoughts. Or perhaps you read this knowing you are the community someone else needs right now as they walk through their own diagnosis. I want to leave you with a few practical tips as you show up one day at a time: 1. Find hope. Through prayer or research or other people’s stories, muster up the hope you need for today. 2. Surround yourself with community. People who allow you to process all the emotions you will have but will encourage you right where you are. 3. Lower your expectations. Cancer presents a lot of disappointments and your path to cancer-free will not be a linear one. If you anticipate things to go one way and they don’t, you will consistently be disappointed. Take schedules and appointments as they come. 4. Fight the fight both physically and mentally. Find little things to be grateful for and small wins throughout the process. 5. And for those of you walking alongside someone wondering what you can do, just show up in the small ways. Send a letter in the mail or a text of encouragement. Drop off a cup of coffee or a small plant. Do whatever is in your heart. These small acts go a long way when someone’s in the thick of it. I have an entire desk drawer filled with letters and prayers that I often would open when I needed a pick-me-up. 6. Finally, know that you are not alone. This club of mighty fighters is with you. We’ve gone before you, and we’ve got your back. Keep fighting. Keep showing up. Friends and family gather and say a prayer during Katie’s birthday celebration. The Finch family at Christmas 2025. PRESENTED BY Real conversations. Trusted experts. Topics that actually matter. From hormones to sleep, metabolism to skincare, we’re creating space for women to ask better questions and get real answers. Join us for our next event. Follow along on Instagram @tidewaterpharmacy to stay in the know.
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