How to Save your Relationship when a Partner has Breast Cancer

Even the best relationships are affected by breast cancer. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my husband was too. Breast cancer didn’t leave him out; it affected every area of his life. As his wife, he knew me to be strong, supportive and a little bossy. He loved me for all of that. Learning how to go from caregiver to care recipient was a difficult transition for me. Seeing me weak and vulnerable was new to him. He knew me too well to ask me what I needed from him. He took it upon himself to accompany me to each chemotherapy appt, and settle into the chair beside me. Since my doctor didn’t allow me to come without someone to drive me home, I expected him to drive me to my afternoon chemo session. I never asked him to take time of work to stay with me; he decided that all on his own. There were times though when it wasn’t so easy for him to figure out what to do. I also had to fight hurt feelings when he didn’t do what I expected. How our Partner is affected I think most men find it difficult when their partner is diagnosed with breast cancer. The biggest problem for the men that I have asked is being able to provide the care and support they feel they should give while adjusting to the role change of their loved one. Many men rely and lean on wives for support. These are the women who are allowed to see them when they are vulnerable. For most of them watching someone they cherish suffer is far more difficult then battling the illness themselves. Not being able ...
Source: Life with Breast Cancer - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer Source Type: blogs