Welcome to the club … I’m sorry you have to be here

Funny woman and badass Julia Louis-Dreyfus announced today that she has breast cancer.

People around the globe posted responses to her Twitter message. Aside from the ridiculous gifs some people posted, there were heartfelt wishes sent her way.

Actor Michael McKean tweeted: ‘Cancer is no match for you. Stomp it good. Xox’

Actress and breast cancer survivor Christina Applegate tweeted: ‘Mama, find me. Let’s talk if you want.’

When I finish writing today’s blog, I will respond to @officialJLD: ‘Welcome to the club … I’m sorry you have to be here.’

Each time, I see someone’s announcement of a diagnosis, I cringe.

First, it takes me back to the no-good days when I learned I had breast cancer. Twice. On July 18, 2013 and July 18, 2016. (Same days, three years apart. Bummer!)

Then, I think about the treatments these people have before them. As my husband likes to say when talking about my situation and our family, ‘We know far more about cancer than we ever expected to.’

Knowing what sort of treatments these folks will face brings about instant empathy. The downright sick days and nights. The pain. The uncertainty. The financial cost. The emotional roller coaster.

Having cancer becomes a job for so many of us. There are surgeries, weeks and months of treatment and then, the ‘what ifs?’

‘What if I did this to myself?’

‘What if I made the wrong treatment decision?’

‘What if I did everything right and it returns?’

For me, the ‘what ifs?’ are the worst.

Still, there is power in having someone as renowned as Louis-Dreyfus living with breast cancer.

She has an amazing stage before her. One where she can share her story. Commiserate with others living with the disease. Educate and empathize. Or, she can face this head on, surrounded by her family and friends. Doing so quietly.

Whatever avenue she goes down, I wish her nothing but the best of love and luck.

This is a tough club to join. She’s here now. I’m sorry she has to be.