Staying Positive After a Cancer Diagnosis
- First News Weekend anchor Waverle Monroe has announced via social media that she is battling cancer.
- The Omaha, Nebraska reporter didn’t specify what type of cancer she was diagnosed with, but expressed to Twitter followers that she has unfortunately been in the hospital since last Tuesday.
- For many newly-diagnosed cancer patients, a crucial aspect of receiving the news and coping with it is a support network. Luckily, the news personality already has a built-in group of supporters, but for those who are more behind-the-scenes and off social media, there is help from family, friends, church groups, cancer organizations, doctors and therapists. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you are feeling scared and alone.
First News Weekend anchor Waverle Monroe, 28, has announced via social media that she is battling cancer. The Omaha, Nebraska reporter didn’t specify details of her diagnosis, but expressed to Twitter followers that she has unfortunately been in the hospital since last Tuesday.
Read MoreI have cancer and I've been in the hospital since Tuesday (7/5).
Waverle Monroe KETV (@WaverleKETV) July 12, 2022
I’m going to fight this diagnosis with a massive smile on my face and a f***ing positive attitude. Why? Well, why not?
I hope to be back on the 📺 soon â™¥ï¸ (I'll post updates as much as I can) pic.twitter.com/OVJ7FcOxo1
As soon as the University of Nebraska grad posted, the love from her followers started rolling in.
Fellow reporter from the National Examiner, Aaron Sanderford, shared a simple, but effective sentiment that matches her spirit. “Kick cancer's ass, Waverly.”
KETV’s Rob McCartney echoed Waverly’s positive attitude with his words of support. “You. Got. This. I don’t think the universe has invented anything that would keep you down!”
Happy Sunday! â˜€ï¸ We're live on @KETV until 9 a.m. 📺 @JonahMGilmore @CaitlinHarveyWX pic.twitter.com/Tg4tFbTVMU
Waverle Monroe KETV (@WaverleKETV) May 15, 2022
Followers who don’t know the young journalist also expressed well wishes after news of her cancer diagnosis.
“Big time fan! Your sunny disposition and positivity is needed in the world! You're fighting the good fight! Sending lots of positive juju your way.”
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The Power of Support After a Cancer Diagnosis
For many newly-diagnosed cancer patients, a crucial aspect of receiving the news and coping with it is a support network. Support networks can be made up of people from different parts of your life.
"I started going online not only to find information but also support groups and stories from survivors," cancer survivor Kelly Sargent tells SurvivorNet when discussing her reaction to being diagnosed
The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients
The Chicago native got support not only from her family but also from new friends she made after her diagnosis. Before moving to San Antonio, Kelly had lived in Chicago until she was 21 years old and then moved to the East Coast to pursue her career. While doing so, she met her husband and they had a child. They then relocated to San Antonio, a change she was grateful for when discovering she had cancer.
Related: How to Talk to a Friend With Cancer: Don't Say Stupid Stuff
She expresses gratitude for the people she ended up meeting in San Antonio, specifically a group of ladies that she met at a Bible study group and who have become an essential part of her support network. She describes that her ability to survive and persist was due to this support.
Support groups are available in every community. Asking your doctor or therapist for help is a good start.
Embracing a ‘New Normal’
Things are going to change after you've had cancer that's part of the whirlwind process after a cancer diagnosis. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing.
After CC Webster was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 29, she was struck by the overwhelming anxiety she started to feel.
"In life after cancer, I experienced an entirely new level of anxiety that I didn't know existed," CC says.
Life After Cancer Will be Different, That Doesn't Have to be a Bad Thing
"Earth shattering anxiety that makes you sweat, and makes your heart race. I had to learn how to manage myself in that, and how to allow myself to process the trauma that I had just been through."
CC says what finally got her back on her feet was facing her anxiety head-on. Eventually, she was able to walk away from her cancer journey with a new outlook on life.
We send Waverle love and strength as she gets through the adjustment process of her diagnosis. Whether she chooses to share details at this time or not, it’s okay. Everyone’s cancer battle is different; each and every person has the right to share or withhold as many details as they like as they face their health journey. The number one priority is taking care of yourself and beating the disease.
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