Support From a Partner during Cancer
- Rebecca Crews recently wrote that her husband, Terry Crews, is “my rock, my confidant, and my partner in life” through the “ups and downs” – like her breast cancer battle.
- Rebecca received her stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis in 2020 following a mammogram and ultrasound, and Terry supported her all throughout her battle.
- Another cancer survivor previously told SurvivorNet that cancer strengthened her relationship with her husband: "I think cancer is a great way to find out if you're with the love of your life or a shithead."
- That being said, some cancer warriors struggle with their relationships during their health battle and that’s okay, too.
- One of our experts says people faced with cancer should “surround [themselves] with individuals who care and support [them]” throughout treatment while also acknowledging their limits on what they can handle.
The 57-year-old singer and actress is not one to shy away from remarks about her love for TV host Terry. The two have been married since 1989, and worked through many relationship struggles to get to where they are today.
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“Life is not a destination, but a journey, and there is no greater comfort than knowing that there is someone who will always be there for you, no matter what,” she wrote. “Terry, you are my rock, my confidant, and my partner in life.
“Thank you for standing by my side through the ups and downs, and for always being my unwavering support! Together, we can conquer anything! â¤ï¸ðŸ˜˜ #GratefulForYou #StrongerTogether #FamilyLove.”
The post reflects on the bigger picture of their relationship rather than points to a specific instance of support. But Rebecca and Terry have previously talked about much stronger their marriage became after her battle with cancer.
Rebecca Crews Battled Cancer with Terry Crews by Her Side
Rebecca was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in January 2020 after a mammogram and ultrasound. Looking back to the day she revealed her diagnosis to him, Terry Crews said his wife's bravery blew him away.
"I actually had a mild panic attack," Terry told SurvivorNet. "The only way I can describe it, I felt like my insides were melting.
"But Rebecca's strength was so amazing.. She was like, I’m ready to fight, and I knew I needed to be strong."
Expert Breast Cancer Info
Thankfully, Terry was able to meet Rebecca’s strength and rise up to help her. He saw the whole experience as a chance to make good on his wedding vows.
"My wife and I have been through a lot of things," Terry said. "We've lost homes; we've lost children before things that would have taken a lot of people out and we survived them all.”
'A Sacred And Blessed Calling': Managing Life As a Caregiver
There were certainly hard days, but Rebecca kept pushing through with Terry by her side. And with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing Terry to stay home more than usual, he had the privilege of taking care of her in a way he’d never done before.
“I was proud of her. She became a warrior,” Terry said. “I just sat back, and I was literally like, ‘What do you need?’ She was like, ‘I got this. Let’s go.’
“And it was just an amazing thing to watch.”
Following a successful course of treatment, Rebecca has happily remained cancer-free to this day. She credits the positive outcome to her early diagnosis.
“As a survivor, and one who is so because of early detection, I encourage women everywhere to get themselves tested regularly, because early detection saves lives," she told SurvivorNet.
Having a Supportive Partner during a Cancer Battle
Rebecca and Terry Crews faced cancer as a unit. And the couple says the cancer journey only fortified their relationship.
“Our love right now is stronger than it’s ever been because we survived, we made it,” Terry told SurvivorNet. “You get a new appreciation for what life is.”
Similarly, actress Jill Kargman also felt her relationship strengthen when she faced a battle with melanoma.
Jill Kargman on Relationships and Cancer
"I think cancer is a great way to find out if you're with the love of your life or a shithead," she said. "I think it presses the fast forward button on getting to the bottom of that answer, because a lot of people in middle age are kind of at a crossroads, waiting for their kids to fly the coop.
"I think if you're with someone who is not supportive and kind of emotionally checked out or doesn't tell you you're still beautiful with that, this might not be your person."
That being said, some cancer warriors struggle with their romantic or platonic relationships during their health battle and that’s okay, too. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin says people faced with cancer should “surround [themselves] with individuals who care and support [them]” throughout treatment while also acknowledging their limits on what they can handle.
"Going through [cancer] treatment is a very vulnerable and emotionally exhausting experience," Dr. Strongin wrote in a column for SurvivorNet. "Noticing what you have strength for and what is feeling like too much… [is] extremely important to pay attention to as you navigate treatment."
If you’re ever in a relationship where you feel overwhelmed by how your partner is trying to support you, Dr. Strongin says you should try to communicate your feelings. This may help you decide if your partner is the person you want beside you “during this arduous chapter” of life.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.