My father was diagnosed a few years ago. He fell down some stairs and caused back problems that still plague him, but luckily they found the cancer in his kidney during some back scans and saved his life. My grandmother was not quite so lucky.....I can appreciate your feelings.
My mom had a class 4 melanoma in her leg 15 years ago and she beat it so I understand the harshness of the disease. My condolences to you and your friends family.