This one really resonates with me. Non-cancer folks understand that a cancer diagnosis is horrific. And that treatment is awful. But what many don’t realise is that once treatment has finished it’s not ‘all over’ and we’re not ‘back to normal’. Treatment will have taken its toll, with many ongoing symptoms, our bodies may be unrecognisable from surgery, and we have had to face our mortality and are aware that the cancer could come back at any time. Many people will end up with mental health issues, infertility and crippling exhaustion. So we have a ‘new normal’ to get our heads around and get used to.

So, I think this card is brilliant to show someone who has finished treatment that you understand. You get it. And you’re here for them.

Browse all Empathy Cards from Emily McDowell here.