Walking Beside You Through a Cancer Diagnosis

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down — not just for the person with cancer, but for everyone who loves them. It’s a moment that brings fear, uncertainty, and a thousand questions you never expected to ask. I know this both professionally and personally.

As a former oncology social worker, and a current therapist, I’ve spent years helping individuals and families navigate the emotional and practical realities of cancer. I’ve sat in waiting rooms, held hands during difficult conversations, and listened as people tried to make sense of an overwhelming situation. My job has always been to help people find their footing when the ground feels unsteady — to make sure they know they don’t have to go through it alone.

But beyond my professional experience, this work has taken on a deeper meaning since my own father’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of the desk — coordinating appointments, managing medications, learning new medical terms, and, most importantly, figuring out how to simply be there for him in the moments that matter most. It’s changed how I show up for others because I understand, how complex and emotional this journey can be.

When I work with clients, I bring that combination of professional guidance and lived experience. Together, we talk through the tough emotions — the fear, guilt, anger, and hope that often live side by side. We explore practical strategies for coping day-to-day, communicating with loved ones, and finding moments of calm in the chaos. I help clients build support systems that actually work — ones rooted in compassion, honesty, and real human connection.

Cancer changes life, but it doesn’t have to take away the sense of meaning, love, or community that makes life beautiful. My goal is to walk beside you and help you navigate the feelings that come with this journey- whether this is for you directly, or to help you cope with a family member's diagnosis. 

You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your strength, your story, and your heart.

By Mayra Martinez, LCSW-S | Trauma & EMDR Therapist in Rockwall, TX and Virtually across Texas