Holding Hope Twice: A Daughter’s Perspective on Cancer Recurrence, Tobacco Cessation, Supporting Families, and Prevention
Mattie Hawkins
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living Regional Manager (TFL)
Cancer changed my family the moment we heard the diagnosis. It is a deeply human, hard, and visceral experience. It sits heavily on your chest. When my dad was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, I found myself holding two truths at once: cancer does not have to be a death sentence, and it can still disrupt everything you thought was certain. In my mind, I thought he would have been diagnosed with lung cancer because I learned that he had been a smoker for 50 years when we called the Louisiana Quitline to get him resources to help him stop. That moment expanded my understanding too—that tobacco use is not only linked to lung cancer, but according to the CDC and Surgeon General reports, tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer that is directly linked to at least 16 specific cancer types. This reminds me how critical prevention and cessation of tobacco is to long-term health, far beyond just lung cancer.
My dad went through treatment, did what he needed to do, and rang the bell. For a time, we held onto renewed hope. But cancer recurrence carries a different weight. When his lymphoma returned—alongside a new prostate cancer diagnosis—it felt like starting over, but with more complexity and uncertainty. His body had already endured so much. His heart was no longer as strong, and treatment options became more limited and nuanced. Equally challenging has been the emotional landscape. My dad is not someone who readily shares details about his health. As his daughter, this has meant navigating a space where I want to help, but do not always know how. I have had to come to terms with sometimes only being able to remain present, supportive, and consistent in reminding him that he is not alone, even if I want to be far more involved.
Cancer recurrence is not solely a clinical event; it is an emotional and relational experience that affects entire families. It requires us to hold fear and hope simultaneously, while also recognizing the often-unseen burden caregivers carry. It made me reflect a lot on what families need to be supported and on ways to encourage them to stay strong, for example, by fostering open communication to reduce stigma and secrecy that prevent families from sharing information, coordinating care, and providing meaningful emotional support. Other important things include leveraging patient navigation services, support groups, counseling, and more offered by organizations like the American Cancer Society to help families understand treatment options, manage appointments, and access financial resources.
These supports are essential to navigating recurrence with dignity and resilience. Lastly, whether we know that a specific cancer diagnosis or cancer recurrence is directly caused by tobacco use, as we continue to navigate treatment and support, we must also remain grounded in prevention. Quitting tobacco remains one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence. It is not an easy journey, but it is a powerful one—capable of improving outcomes, extending lives, and preserving precious time with the people we love. Do you need support quitting to support a cancer-free future? Quitting tobacco is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health.
Support is available:
Text “READY” to 34191
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