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Hearing the words “you have cancer” can feel like the ground has disappeared beneath your feet. The first twenty four to forty eight hours are overwhelming. Shock, fear, confusion, and grief all hit at once. No one expects cancer to happen to them, so when it does, it can feel like a sudden and devastating sucker punch.

Before rushing into logistical or financial decisions, begin with the most important step.

The First 24–48 Hours: Start with Prayer and Support

Seek God in Prayer

The very first move is spiritual, not financial. Bring your fears, questions, and needs before the Lord. Ask for peace, clarity, and strength for the days ahead. Before making any decisions, anchor yourself in God’s presence.

Talk with Your Family

Call a family meeting. Share what you know, what you don’t know, and what the next steps may involve. Invite them into the process early so you are not walking this road alone.

Talk with Your Church

Scripture calls believers to walk together through suffering. James 5:13–15 encourages the church to pray, anoint, and uplift those who are sick. Seek out your pastor, elders, or trusted church members for prayer, support, and encouragement.

Receive Anointing and Prayer

If your church practices anointing for the sick, consider asking for this intentional moment of prayer and spiritual care.

 

Your Next Financial Moves After a Diagnosis

Once immediate emotional and spiritual needs have been addressed, it is time to get organized. Clear steps can help bring order to chaos.

1. Organize All Paperwork

Create a dedicated folder or binder for everything related to your diagnosis and treatment.

Include

  • Medical records
  • Test results
  • Bills paid and unpaid
  • Insurance communications
  • Hospital correspondence

Good record keeping provides peace of mind and allows a spouse or caregiver to step in if necessary.

2. Build Up Your Cash Reserves

Enter what we call “squirrel mode.”
Strengthen your savings as much as possible.

This may mean

  • Pausing retirement contributions
  • Delaying aggressive debt payoff strategies
  • Diverting extra funds into a strong cash cushion

Once treatment ends and health stabilizes, you can resume your debt elimination and retirement savings plan.

3. Pause Your Debt Snowball

If you are actively eliminating debt, put your snowball on hold. Continue paying minimum payments.

You may also

  • Contact lenders and ask about hardship programs
  • Request reduced or temporarily adjusted payments

Your priority during treatment is stability, not speed.

4. Understand Your Benefits Thoroughly

Talk with your medical team and your insurance provider so you are fully informed.

Learn about

  • treatment options
  • coverage details
  • out of pocket costs
  • alternative treatment expenses

Be on a first name basis with your insurance representative.

5. Count the Costs of All Treatment Routes

Your insurance coverage may shape which treatments are feasible. Some alternative therapies or specialized programs may not be covered. Knowing the full cost helps you make informed decisions.

6. Research Assistance Programs

There may be help available through

  • state or local government programs
  • grants or patient aid funds
  • nonprofit cancer support organizations

Depending on your diagnosis and prognosis, Social Security Disability Insurance may also be an option.

7. Check for Short Term or Long Term Disability Coverage

If you have disability insurance through work or a private policy, review what benefits are available. This becomes critical if you need extended time off for treatment or recovery.

Remember, you must have this insurance before diagnosis to use it, but now is the time to understand what coverage you already have.

8. Explore Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

If eligible, FMLA provides up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job protected leave for serious medical conditions. This can give you essential time for treatment without jeopardizing your employment.

9. Review Your Legal and Estate Documents

A cancer diagnosis is a reminder to ensure your affairs are in order.

Review and update

  • your will
  • medical and financial powers of attorney
  • healthcare proxy
  • advanced medical directive
  • beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts

Have honest, transparent conversations with your spouse or trusted family members about your financial situation and decision making roles.

Closing and Application

Financial steps are important, but they are not your first or greatest priority. Above everything, you need a prayer team around you. Keep them updated. Let them walk with you. Prayer is the most powerful tool at your disposal—far more powerful than the dollar.

Lean on the body of Christ for practical help, emotional strength, and spiritual encouragement. You were never meant to face this alone.

If you need help navigating the financial side of this journey, reach out. We are here to support you in every way we can.

 

 

Next Steps

 

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The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

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