Hi, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Being a distance from him must be so hard and during the pandemic our hands are tied with how much we can physically do to help and support. My sister has just been diagnosed with cancer, the primary cancer is at the back of her tongue but metastasis have been found in her right tonsil and possibly lymph nodes. She's due to have surgery in the next few weeks for removal of the tumour and surrounding area, her tonsils and probably lymph nodes with biopsies. Not sure exactly what we're dealing with until the biopsy results are back but she'll have radiotherapy and probably chemo too.  I'm lucky that I live quite close to her but still can't actually be with her or give her a hug. Does your friend communicate well with you? If he finds talking difficult due to the cancer will he email or text? I often message my sister rather than chat with her because we're all still in a bit of shock and actually talking can be very emotional and we end up crying.  I can understand the helplessness you feel, and the distance doesn't help at all. Sending you hugs.