Emotional Support Through Relationships, Faith, and an App

A cancer diagnosis changes everything, and no one tells you how much support you'll need to navigate the twists, turns, and uncertainties that lie ahead. Fighting cancer is a journey that requires medical, emotional, spiritual, physical, and social support. Some turn to therapy, church, or friends to help gain the support they need, while others might turn to family, medical professionals, books, support groups, or even cancer-related apps. Nonetheless, cancer support is crucial throughout your cancer journey.

Family support during a cancer diagnosis

From the very beginning, my family supported me both emotionally and financially. A few years before my diagnosis, my grandmother, Rita, passed away from stomach cancer. Because of that experience, my family understood just how serious a cancer diagnosis could be, and I think they wanted to do everything possible to help me through one of the most difficult periods of my life.

I still remember hearing the family group chat light up with messages from my brother and two sisters, each offering to contribute $100 a month to help cover my car payment and other expenses I was responsible for. Their generosity and willingness to step in during a time of uncertainty meant more to me than I can ever fully express.

I will always be grateful for the way my family showed up for me when I needed them most, and especially for my mom, who put her career on hold to become my primary caregiver. She was my constant source of strength, comfort, and support throughout my cancer journey, and I truly don't know what I would have done without her. She was and is simply the best.

Leaning on friends through chemotherapy

Speaking of group chats, my close friends from high school created one of their own to stay connected and support me throughout my cancer journey. As I faced new challenges each day, their consistent encouragement meant more than they probably realized. Simple messages like “How did your chemo treatment go today?” or “How are you doing emotionally, Mark?” made me feel seen, cared for, and supported during a very difficult season of my life.

They even set aside a day to come visit me at my house. We spent time catching up, sharing stories, taking photos, and enjoying each other’s company. For a few hours, I was able to focus less on cancer and more on the friendships that had stood the test of time.

I will always be grateful for my high school friends and the way they showed up for me when I needed them most. Their kindness, presence, and unwavering support helped carry me through some of the hardest moments of my battle with cancer.

Finding strength in faith during cancer treatment

I have always been a man of faith, and early on, a few days after I was diagnosed with stage II esophageal cancer, I felt in my spirit the urge to listen to a song called "Oceans" by Hillsong United. I listened to it and immediately the lyrics touched my heart. “Spirt lead me where my trust is without borders, Let me walk upon the waters, Wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, And my faith will be made stronger, In the presence of my Saviour.”

My faith was definitely made stronger as I was learning how to trust God completely without placing limitations or “borders” that would block me from trusting Him fully. When you battle cancer, you learn how much your trust needs to be in something higher than yourself. Before cancer, I placed a lot of my trust in myself and the things I was capable of doing. But now, I have learned to put my trust in God in every area of my life. Oh, what a difference it makes when we let go and let God make a way where there seems to be no way.

Finding connection through an online app

One night, I found myself Googling anything and everything related to cancer. I wanted to understand this awful disease that I had and was desperately searching for answers to questions that I had pertaining to the cancer I was diagnosed with. During my search, I came across an app called Cancer Buddy. So I downloaded the app to see what it was all about. I don’t know what time I fell asleep that night, but I know it was very late because the next day I woke up and I completely forgot that I had downloaded that new app.

A few days went by, and I was feeling alone again, as many cancer patients oftentimes do. I felt a yearning for someone to understand me at this very moment. I wondered to myself, who actually understands what a cancer fighter like me really goes through? My conclusion was this: only people who have experienced cancer themselves know exactly what I’m going through. Then I remembered that Cancer Buddy app that I had downloaded a few nights earlier. I logged in, started exploring the features, and created a full profile. I added photos and created my bio. I even sent out a few friend requests to people who lived in my area. Maybe this was the answer to finally finding someone who I could actually relate to. As I used the app, I found out that there are a variety of ways to engage with other users within the app. It offers different support groups to join, up-to-date chat features that help users communicate more easily, and a LIVE feature that allows people to video chat with one another. It has become an app that I frequently click on each day.

The best part is that I met some of the best people through Cancer Buddy–people who just get it. People who have supported me emotionally and have inspired me with the way they overcome their battles with cancer. Support comes in many forms. Who would have thought it could come from an app? Some other amazing cancer-related apps include Create To Heal, CareZone, and Chemo Brian app to name a few.

Finding the support that works for you

Family, faith in God, friends, and even an app all played vital roles in helping me feel supported throughout my cancer journey. I’m grateful to say that I am now cancer-free. While I no longer need the same level of support that I once did, I still rely on it as I navigate life after cancer. Support comes in many forms, and what works for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to explore the options available and find the sources of support that best meet your needs. Finding what works best for you can make all the difference.