Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks may be known for bringing stories to the big screen, but he has gone through his fair share of struggles in his personal life. Not only did his current wife, actress Rita Wilson, battle cancer, but his first wife, Samantha Lewes passed away from the disease. Here at SurvivorNet, we’re here to help those going through this experience by sharing ways you can cope when a loved one receives a diagnosis.
Hanks, 63, married Lewes in 1978 and were married for 9 years until their divorce in 1987. In 2001, it was revealed that Lewes had been diagnosed with bone cancer, and a close friend of Hanks told The New York Post that the actor was “devastated” once hearing about Lewes diagnosis. Despite bravely battling the disease for a few months, she passed away in 2002.
Read MorePractical Guidance On How To Cope When A Spouse Is Diagnosed With Cancer
Following a cancer diagnosis, it’s understandable that many spouses experience feelings ranging from anger, sadness, anxiety, and more. However, there are ways to cope with the devastating news, and understand that a cancer diagnosis is no longer an immediate death sentence.
- Talk to a therapist and share feelings you’re going through
- Have an open conversation with your spouse about the diagnosis
- Research the disease and learn about available treatment options
- Join a support group or connect with others who have gone through, or are going through, the same experience
- Spend time with your spouse and have consistent conversations about how you both are feeling
Stories From Couples Who Have Been Through It
To inspire the couples currently facing cancer together, SurvivorNet has talked to dozens of survivors about their experiences taking on the diagnosis and going through treatment. For brain cancer survivor Natalie Wells, her best friend is her husband, Stephen Skip, and his support through her cancer journey helped her stay positive and hopeful for the future.
“These little trials and tribulations life throws at you gives you a good perspective on appreciating the things you have and not wanting the tangible, physical, petty things that people worry about and stress over,” Skip says. “[She’s] my best friend, my right hand. I couldn’t go on through life without [her]. I love her tremendously.”
Breast cancer survivor Tiffany Dyba and her husband Steve were enjoying a trip to Iceland when Dyba noticed a lump on her breast. Once returning home she visited her local doctor, and was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer at 35 years old. While many people may experience severe anxiety after this news, Dyba instead decided to focus on next steps involving her treatment. Thankfully, Steve stood by her side the entire time, and Dyba says the support of her husband throughout her months of treatment was invaluable.
“I was like, ‘we’re in this together,'” says Dyba. “My husband is the best person on the entire planet because he doesn’t treat me like I’m sick. He just treats me like me, which is so important, because a lot of people treat me like I’m sick. He hasn’t missed a beat. He said there’s no other option but beating it, and I believe him every time.”
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