At times, it can feel like everything is crashing around you. Whether it’s problems with your health, family, work, or something else, the phrase “When it rains, it pours” can sound all too real. You wonder how you’ll find solutions, and how you can move forward.

You call your closest friend about what you’re going through, and after a brief silence on their end, they respond: “Well, everything happens for a reason.” …Does it?

We asked the WhatNext community how they felt when they heard “...

Cancer can often be the first thing you think of when you see or think about a person. Loved ones might not mean that in a harmful way, it just happens because it is in the forefront of everyone's mind. But, if you love someone with cancer, here are a few things you might want to remember. Feel free to pass these on to anyone you think might be touched by them or who is closely affected by cancer.

1. People with cancer are still normal and want to talk about normal things.

"It feels good...

No one enjoys waiting. But, the waiting game gets more serious when you are waiting on cancer. Whether you are waiting for news of your diagnosis, scans, or waiting to be done with this whole business - waiting can be hard. Here are a few ways to deal with the waiting part of cancer from WhatNexters themselves. 

"I'm scared to ask "What next?" but it's all I can think about. All I can hope for is that things get better when you know I'm in treatment." - Rosina 

While you are ...

If you have ever heard that a friend is diagnosed with cancer, seen someone out in public that looks like they are battling cancer, or been around other patients in your cancer treatment center, you may have felt the urge to provide words of comfort. Words exchanged from patient to patient can be very valuable. Even on WhatNext, just a "I get it" can make a huge difference. 

Here are a few things that WhatNexters have said to one another that have made a big difference. After all, words...

We all want to be there for our loved ones fighting cancer, but what if you can't physically be there? There are many creative ways to be there without being there. Here are seven specific suggestions from WhatNexters that have gotten or given support to their long-distance loved one.

1. Keep In Touch Over the Phone or Email

"I had one friend send regular text messages and emails - silly little pick me up, nonsense messages that were meant to take my mind off things and smile if only for a...

Spending time with someone who has cancer can give them a shoulder to lean on, a distraction from the stress of cancer, and can make them feel more confident in their fight. Here are 5 reasons why quality time is one of the best gifts you can give. 

1. You can talk about things other than cancer. 

Restoring normalcy by talking about things other than cancer can be valuable to people with cancer. Getting a break from the "cancer world" and talking about books, movies, hobbies,...

Background: WhatNext.com is an online support network developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society that helps help cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers gain firsthand insight into living with cancer and connect with others facing a similar diagnosis. Members of WhatNext.com are sometimes referred to as "WhatNexters."

Cancer can turn your life upside down, it can take your hair, your health, your time, your energy, and parts of your physical body, but here are some things...

WhatNexter of the week, Zubsha, shares her incredible journey of going from a primary care physician to a cancer patient. She explains that no one can really be prepared for a cancer diagnosis but within herself she found strength and is now moving onward and upward with her life. Read her unique perspective below.

On January 3, 2012 I became something I have never been before. I became a vulnerable, sick person with a diagnosis that required others to care for me. This kind of event is...

Background: WhatNext.com is an online support network developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society that helps help cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers gain firsthand insight into living with cancer and connect with others facing a similar diagnosis. Members of WhatNext.com are sometimes referred to as "WhatNexters."

"Once someone said to me, 'I'll ride the waves with you till the storm calms,' and that meant a lot to me because I knew they would be with me no matter...

Recently we had a question from WhatNexter OneHeart on the site about how to support the one you love with cancer. In response, another WhatNexter mentioned that sometimes it is important to wait for cues from your loved one to find out how much help they need or want. By asking questions you can give them control of their care before doing too much or overstepping your boundaries.

Here is a list of questions, inspired by WhatNexters that you may want to try asking your loved one while...