The hardest part comes after.

After reading what England's Princess Kate said I had to share it. We do not talk much about life after cancer treatments because we believe everyone is tired of hearing about our cancer at that point. After writing about "the long tail of chemo" many told me they did not realize the difficulties we go through even after the treatments are finished. It is not only the sometimes life long aftereffects of chemotherapy that are difficult. We are reminded every day by scars, medication, looking in the mirror, and fears when we have aches that we would normally dismiss as normal. We never completely return to our old normal. 

A dear friend said that, "it’s such a miracle to survive, but almost impossible to put behind us". The most difficult change for me has been how it has affected my brain. Very recently I had an experience that normally would make me laugh and go on with my day. This day however, I cried and could not make myself do anything but go back home, rest, and do my best to not let negative thoughts take over. I am glad that I recover fairly quickly from these kinds of things, so the following day I was able to laugh about the experience.

Cancer issues change you in profound ways - but not only for the worse fortunately. One does learn empathy towards those who are going through something similar. This alone can be worth the frustrations and difficulties if we let them. In some ways we become stronger, more understanding, and better able to serve those around us.

Here are England's Princess Kate's words:

"The hardest part comes after."

— Princess Kate of Wales

In her quiet yet powerful words, Princess Kate once opened up about something many don’t talk about:

“You put on a brave face during treatment, but the real struggle begins after.”

She was speaking about her experience with chemotherapy—a journey that doesn’t end when the last session does.

Because once the treatments stop…

The world expects you to bounce back.

To smile.

To “go back to normal.”

But the truth is, that “normal” no longer exists.

What follows is a deep emotional rollercoaster:

The medical team is no longer by your side every day.

The adrenaline of survival fades.

The exhaustion lingers.

And you’re left navigating a new version of yourself—physically, emotionally, mentally.

“It’s a much harder process than I ever imagined,” she said.

This isn’t just a story of resilience.

It’s a reminder: healing takes time.

Not just the body—but the soul.

So if you—or someone you love—is in that space after the storm, don’t rush the calm.

Let it come, slowly. Gently. With grace.

And above all, don’t expect to be who you were before.

You’re becoming someone even stronger.