Hi there @Romla . The way I read your post was that you were asking if there was a slightly more "middle ground" that could be used when putting out the welcome mat. Potentially different welcomes could be the "We're so sorry that you've joined us" type of response, and on the other side (or extreme) would be the "Oh hi So and So....we're so glad you've joined our band of sisters (and a few brothers) in arms. The latter would quite obviously be totally inappropriate, as none of us "celebrate" a newly diagnosed member joining our support group, whatever the welcome. I got the impression that you were thinking of a more neutral hello, that is just a warm word of welcome and an open offer of support and information at the speed and level of intensity that would subsequently manifest itself as the new member got over her initial shock and settled in.
Hugs ((( ))) Ally.