What Do You Wear to Receive Life-Changing News?
There are moments in life when time stands still. When a simple medical appointment becomes the before and after of your story. When your heart beats so loud you can hear it in your ears, and your mind desperately searches for something, anything, to focus on so you don’t collapse.
For me, that “thing” was my clothes.
The Paralysing Moment: When Medical Uncertainty Hits
That morning I had a paralysing thought. What should I wear? What do people usually wear to receive a diagnosis like this one? I wanted to wear something that made me feel good, comfortable enough.
I know it sounds silly, but focusing on something so mundane helped me cope with all the thoughts that were going through my head.
When you go through this experience, you’re confronted with different thoughts and feelings. Reality hits with every new medical test you go through.
The truth is you’ll never be ready for this, but you can work on yourself mentally so you feel stronger.
The First Signs: When a Blood Clot Led to an Unexpected Discovery
About a month before that day, after following up on the results of what had caused a blood clot that resulted in an urgent hospital admission, I was told that I had an unusual growth in my collarbone. It looked like it could be something serious. I needed to be referred to a specialist because that particular hospital doesn’t treat the “C” word, if you catch my drift.
That was my first reality check, and some doctors can be so cold! Just be aware of this – it’s not you, it’s them.
“So if you could wait outside please, until we call you again because we don’t do this kind of thing here and we’re not sure who can help you, we need to make a couple of calls.” Probably he didn’t say it that way, but that’s how I heard it.
I’d never felt as helpless as I felt then. I went home with instructions to call every week to follow up and see if a more experienced doctor picked up my case or not.
The weeks that followed were filled with so much uncertainty and unanswered questions.
Whatever it was, I wasn’t willing to let it define me.
Processing the Fear: How I Gave Myself Permission to Feel
I won’t lie – a lot of different feelings invaded me. I locked myself in my room and I started crying. I allowed myself to go through everything I was feeling: so much to do, what about my dreams and plans? What about my son (about 5 years old back then)? How would he grow up without a mum? It’s not fair!
I gave myself three hours to feel miserable and angry. After that, I had to come up with a plan to face everything that was put in front of me.
Whatever it was.
Finding Hope: The Healing Journey Begins
I booked a session with an energy healer. I figured that I needed to listen to my body. The conclusion was to replace the feeling of helplessness with hope, the uncertainty with trust. (this is really what helped me through).
I got inspired.
I started reaching out to other people that I knew had gone through a similar situation. One of these women was someone very dear to me, whom I’d never had the chance to meet in person. She passed away before we could cross paths, but her memory and the amazingly strong-willed woman she was remains. Breast cancer took her, but not without a fight, and when her children were old enough to fend for themselves. Despite a very sombre diagnosis where the doctor only gave her a few years left, she fought it for 28 years before she transitioned.
I was told she repeated affirmations in front of the mirror, being kind to herself and reassuring herself of the strong woman she was, who could face any decision that would save her life. That she was stronger than any diagnosis.
You can craft your own affirmations, but here are a few you can access for free >> affirmations
Reclaiming My Identity: I Am More Than My Diagnosis
I did the same and decided that I wouldn’t identify with any diagnosis, whatever it was. I am me, and what I’m going through doesn’t define me. It’s just circumstantial. My values and behaviours define me. I am me, I don’t like labels, I am not a certain kind of patient, with certain kinds of words or illness. I’m not ill, I have something that needs attention; the vessel of my soul needs attention and repair, that’s all.
Taking Control: Managing Medical Tests with Mental Strength
All the tests that followed were confronting. Since I had already processed and let my emotions flow, I had a plan of attack. I wanted to be in control of the things I could control: me and my emotions. I cut my hair short. It was falling anyway – not sure if it was because of the medicine, the amount of radiation I was putting my body through, or anything else – but cutting it short was the best decision.
People delivering the tests are so used and numbed to the words that I was asked a few times about where the failing part of my body was. In other times I would’ve reacted defensively, really badly, but I learned to be calm and in the present moment, responding always from a place of love and understanding.
Kind of weird. Was I finally growing up?
Finding Support: The Power of Not Going Through It Alone
When I walked into the specialist clinic, I felt supported. That whatever this was, I would find support. I didn’t have to do it alone at all, and I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t feel defeated.
I focused on my breathing. Being “in the moment”. Right here, right now.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is always there to help me with anxiety. Brad Yates is one of my go favourites for this and even though I have developed my own EFT-inspired simplified method that works well with affirmations, I like his energy and programs. Here is the one for vibrant health, it is great to swap those feelings of helplessness with hope. Take me there>>>
In that appointment, the doctor said that results were inconclusive. More tests to follow.
Embracing Uncertainty: Living Fully Despite the Unknown
I read articles from Bruce Lipton’s website and listened to his advice in Youtube. People can recover from this. Science is amazing and I have the universe on my side.
But what if my time is really up? It isn’t really up to me, is it? I’m not in charge of those decisions. Even though I don’t want to go, I have so much to live for, but that’s something I can’t control. What I can control, on the other hand, is how I react to this.
Only one thing was certain
I was only sure of one thing. I wouldn’t let worry take control, and I had to make the most of my days. Enjoy life, be grateful for each day.
Always answering this question with a yes: “If today was my last day on Earth, would I be doing what I’m doing?”
The answer needs to always be yes, even if that day I was cleaning or doing laundry or working. I was sure that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing and loving life. Not scared or delaying decisions.
Mind-Body Connection: Healing Through Visualisation and Self-Care
I spoke to my body. I meditated with healing light. We are all in this together, no room for diseases. I visualised myself as healthy. I made a list of the things I needed to change and made a commitment to take better care of my body.
The Surgery Decision: Choosing Logic Over Fear
“We need to take your collarbone out.”
The doctor was surprised at how well I took it. For me, it was a no-brainer. I was already clear that I would surrender, that I would need to think with my head and not with my emotions.
My collarbone, unfortunately, was causing problems, and if I left it, it would’ve damaged a main nerve, a main vein, or crushed my lung.
It was an executive decision. If something is not working, you end it. We need to focus on the integrity and wellbeing of the majority.
I had to.
Facing Surgery: From Fear to Acceptance
It was going to be a risky surgery.
It was postponed a couple of times. I’m sure it was my energy – I didn’t want to go through with it once I learned all the risks. I was scared. What if I don’t make it?
I wanted to be with my son on his birthday.
Funny enough, the doctor scheduled the new date for surgery for the day after his birthday. I was ready then, for whatever the outcome. I was at peace and surrendered. It’s not up to me. I did everything I could do.
I just went through it and didn’t resist or question anything. I just kept a positive attitude.
I woke up.
Recovery and Reflection: The Lessons That Matter Most
No collarbone and my arm in a sling that I need to wear for the next six weeks.
I now focus on the lesson rather than the pain. My lesson is to stay in the present moment, to live and enjoy life a lot more, enjoy the sun on my face and the fresh air. You know, all the little things.
To deal with uncertainty, to make decisions regardless of the circumstances, to be practical rather than fearful, to keep cultivating inner peace because that will get you through anything.
What Really Matters: The Answer to My Original Question
So what do you wear to receive life-changing news?
The same clothes you always wear, because whatever the diagnosis is, the treatment, etc., those words won’t change anything – especially the way you decide to live your life.
If you want to wear something special, wear hope and trust.
Wishing you all the best.
With Love, Claudia
























