Marc Silver not only addressed the medical side of breast cancer but he also provided helpful information about the emotional and physical side too. He shared lessons and insights that he and his wife learned along the way. For example, he shared about the fatigue and other side-effects that come with cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and radiation can take a toll on your wife and reduce the amount of energy she used to have. He learned that he needed to be more helpful around the house and help more with cooking and cleaning. He realized he needed to go to doctor appointments and help his wife get to treatments sessions. He needed to be involved and informed not just a spectator on the sideline.
He also addressed how your life will change because of cancer. Things that used to seem so important in the past didn’t seem so urgent now. He shared that you will spend your time and money differently. I have always been known as pretty conservative when it came to spending money. But cancer changed my perspective. I think I am more willing to spend money and enjoy things now than I did before cancer. Every day is a gift and we plan and spend differently that we did before.
Another thing you learn about cancer is that you are not alone. There are thousands of families and individuals that have cancer in their homes. The waiting room at the doctor’s office is filled with patients. You will see adults of all ages in the hallways of the medical center. It is a quiet, resilient company of people who have a life-threatening disease in common.
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “ God comforts us in our distress so that we may comfort others” (Second Corinthians 1:4). Pastor Rick Warren says – “God never wastes a hurt. Your greatest area of ministry will probably be in the area of your greatest hurt.” Let me encourage you to look for ways to comfort others who are on a cancer journey. Don’t go through cancer alone. Find a church and support group near you. Read a book like the Breast Cancer Husband. Open your Bible and read Psalms 18, 31, 59, 71 and others. You will be glad you did and I will too!
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 
Dear Pastor Mark and Jeannie, Think of both of you often and pray for you continually.
Pastor Mark, I have enjoyed reading your encouraging articles. Keep encouraging others through your writing.
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Thanks for your kind words – hope your family is doing well – Mark
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