I wish I could go back to the day you heard the words, “You have cancer.”
I wish I could sit beside you, hold your hand and tell you that you will get through this, even though right now you can't imagine how!!
You are going to learn that cancer isn't just about the treatment. It's the waiting, the uncertainty, the fear and the emotions that can change from one day to the next. Nobody really prepares you for that.
There will be difficult days. Days when you're exhausted, frightened and just want to feel like yourself again.
But there will also be moments that make you realise just how precious life is.
Cancer has changed you.
But not all of those changes are bad.
You've learned to slow down and appreciate the little things.
You've learned that it's okay to ask for help and that you don't always have to be the strong one. You've learned to be kinder to yourself and to stop taking tomorrow for granted.
You've realised that the things you once worried about don't seem quite so important anymore.
And you've discovered a strength in yourself that you never knew you had.
Most importantly, you've found a new purpose.
Sunshine After Rain came from wanting other women to feel a little less alone on their darkest days. You know what it feels like to be frightened and overwhelmed, and you want to put a little kindness, comfort and hope into someone's hands when they need it most.
Cancer has taken things from you, and there are things you wish you never had to experience.
But it has also given you a different perspective on life.
It's made you more grateful.
More compassionate.
More present.
And, in many ways, a better version of yourself.
So, to the Kelly who first heard those words - breathe.
You don't need to know how you're going to get through everything.
Just take it one day at a time.
You are going to change.
But you'll discover that change doesn't always mean losing who you were.
Sometimes it means finding a part of yourself you never knew existed.
Keep looking for the sunshine.
Kelly Fernley
September 2026
