Cancer: A Difficult Journey, But Not One You Have to Face Alone

Let’s face it: cancer is incredibly hard. There’s no way around it.

For many years, the word “cancer” would make my heart sink. The thought of being diagnosed, or watching a loved one go through cancer treatments, can feel frightening and overwhelming. It’s a tough journey for everyone involved. But I’ve come to understand that, with the right care, support, and love, cancer doesn’t have to define the entire journey of life. It’s just one chapter.

When I was ten years old, my mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant. I knew it was something serious, but no one really talked to me about it. I just saw my mom struggling, and felt helpless. The experience was made harder by the language barrier—my mom didn’t speak English well, so she relied on my dad to translate everything, from her diagnosis to her treatment plans. It was isolating for her.

Thankfully, my mom survived her cancer. But the experience left a deep impression on me. What I saw in her was more than just physical pain; I saw emotional pain too. My mom believed that she was being punished for something she had done in her past—her smoking as a young woman. She carried a heavy burden of guilt and shame, and I saw how it weighed on her every day. She went through all of this largely on her own, never feeling fully supported in the way she needed.

I wish it could have been different for her. I wish she could have been surrounded by compassionate support, and helped to understand that cancer isn’t anyone’s fault. I wish I could have seen her free herself from the self-criticism, the guilt, and the fear.

That’s why I chose to become an oncology massage therapist.

While I can't change the past, I can be there for others facing similar battles. Oncology massage is a special type of therapy designed for people with cancer. It uses gentle techniques to help alleviate common symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea. It’s a way of offering comfort, peace, and relief when people need it most.

There’s something profoundly healing about being able to let go of tension and feel safe and nurtured in your own body. That’s what I create for others—a safe space where healing can begin, where the mind and body can find freedom from pain and fear.

If you or someone you know is navigating cancer, please know that you’re not alone. There’s always hope, even when it feels hard to see. With the right care, compassion, and support, cancer doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it’s just part of the journey.