Support From Loved Ones During a Cancer Journey
- Walking Dead actor Erik Jensen, 54, continues to thrive nearly a year into remission after scans showed “no signs of disease.” Reflecting on his cancer journey, Jensen credits unwavering support from his wife for helping him through treatment.
- Cancer caregivers can be spouses, family members, or close friends. They can act as a patient’s second set of ears. If possible, it can be helpful to attend appointments with the patient and take notes on treatment options, procedures, and other important facts worth remembering.
- As a caregiver, it’s crucial to help the patient keep track of symptoms, any new reactions to treatment, and concerns they have for their doctors.
- Examples of caregiver activities may include attending doctor visits, helping the patient take notes and ask questions, providing transportation to and from treatment, and helping with everyday activities such as preparing meals.
“We beat cancer. This is about my wife,” Jensen wrote in a recent Instagram post.
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“You might think this is a picture of me smiling at you. But, I am smiling at HER. I love her that much. Jessica did all the things with all the work and all the research and all the insurance to save me. I am hers forever. Whatever the fight. I love you, Jess.”
The post resonated with fans and followers, including Instagram user Jeri Moran, who commented, “Love conquers all.”
Jensen responded with warmth and appreciation. “We love you guys beyond. You have been so supportive.”
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His words highlight what many cancer patients know to be true: the journey isn’t traveled alone.
A strong support system—especially from a partner or spouse—can make all the difference. Loved ones often step in as caregivers, managing daily tasks, providing emotional grounding, and taking on the heavy lift of navigating treatment logistics and insurance hurdles.
Jensen’s story is a powerful reminder of how survivorship isn’t just about reaching remission—it’s also about acknowledging the love and care that helped make healing possible.
Helping Care for Your Loved Ones
- Caregivers Can’t Provide Optimal Care for Their Loved Ones with Cancer If They Don’t Care for Themselves
- How Embracing the Role of Cancer Caregiver Brought Iowa Couple Closer & Strengthened Their Marriage
- How to Be a Better Caregiver for Your Loved One
- Meeting the Needs of Black Caregivers
- ‘A Sacred and Blessed Calling’ – Managing Life As a Caregiver
How To Help A Partner Diagnosed With Cancer
After a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural for spouses to grapple with a whirlwind of emotions — anger, grief, anxiety, and beyond. The journey ahead can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. There are strategies to navigate uncertainty, find support, and face challenges with resilience.
Some popular approaches, backed by research and many anecdotal accounts, include:
- Having candid conversations with your loved one about the diagnosis
- Talking to a therapist to share feelings you’re going through
- Researching the disease together to learn about available treatment options
- Joining a support group or connecting with others who have gone through, or are going through, the same experience
How Jensen Navigated His Cancer Journey
Jensen is perhaps best known for playing Dr. Steven Edwards on the popular AMC television drama. In 2023, he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which by that time had spread to his liver.
Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver).
WATCH: Colon Cancer Screening is Extremely Important
Colorectal cancer happens when polyps are not removed and become cancerous. It can take up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become cancerous, according to SurvivorNet experts. Fortunately, most colorectal cancers can be prevented if you undergo regular screening.
SurvivorNet experts recommend a colonoscopy for colon screening. Remember, if you’re at average risk, meaning you don’t have risk factors like a family history of the disease or are a smoker, you should begin colonoscopies at age 45.
Jensen underwent chemotherapy for nearly a year to combat the cancer.
Jensen knows that even though his doctors found no evidence of disease right now, recurrence (cancer returning) is always a possibility as he enters survivorship. If his cancer does return, he can rest assured that he will have his beloved wife right by his side to help him through another round of battling cancer.
WATCH: When Colon Cancer Comes Back
Recurrences are more common in later stages, according to SurvivorNet experts. Doctors will often recommend chemotherapy after surgery for stage three colon cancer (and high-risk stage two) to help mitigate recurrence risks.
If colon cancer is going to recur, it will most commonly happen within the first two years. The way doctors attempt to manage these cancers will depend on the location of the recurrence and how quickly it returns. If it comes back in multiple areas, this suggests a more aggressive disease, and chemotherapy will likely be recommended.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, here are some questions you may ask your doctor.
- What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
- Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
- If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
- What support services are available to me? To my family?
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