Emotional support

LucyK‍   unfortunately  some people can not handle it when their partners are diagnosed  with a life threatening  illness.  I'm so sorry you are going through  this.   I'm going g to tag Runner Girl‍  who had experienced this as well .  She can tell you how she coped.   

Oh LucyK‍ ,

You just wrote my life story.  I'm so sorry.  You are not alone.  I've been thru pretty much the same thing as you.  There is, in many cities, a ride service with volunteers taking cancer patients to their appointments and then back home.  Please contact your cancer centre and speak with a social worker who can enlighten you to all of the services they have available.  What city are you in?

My story is alot like yours.  We had issues, but nothing was insurmountable.  Just after Christmas 2017 his step father passed away, he flew out to Ontario for a week, never asked me to accompany.  Two weeks later in January, 2018 my mom died suddenly and unexpectedly.  As her executor I suddenly had a second job and alot of things I had to handle.  Fortunately I think mom was watching from above because everything happened so quickly and easily.  Two months after she passed my doctor found my breast lumps.  For my biopsy I was told I needed a driver, the fiance said he'd already taken too much time from work, so I had my friend Laura go with me.  Surprisingly he showed up just before they called me in, I told the two of them they could duke it out to see who was taking me home after.  When I was given my results by my doctor the fiance was late arriving.  In the parking lot after I offered him an out, told him I was fighting this and if he wanted to walk go now.  He said he was Team Gayle and we'd fight this together.  I was relieved but that didn't last long.  I had my lumpectomy on May 23rd and went back to work the following Monday.  On June 16th I ran a half marathon, I'd been training for months and wasn't going to let cancer stop me.  Right after this he told me he wanted to go on a trip, that he was stressed out.  Like you I'm shocked, you're stressed out - I have the cancer!  I checked with my doctor and they would not clear me to fly.  I told the fiance this and suggested we stick within Alberta and drive somewhere.  To this I was told he was suicidal and needed a break and was going to Las Vegas for a week.  Off he went.  When he returned he tried to guilt trip me into feeling sorry for him because he went alone.  In July, 2018, the weekend before I started chemo he moved me into the spare bedroom.  This came with a variety of excuses, none of which made sense to me.  He took me for my chemo appointments, sat there while I had chemo (distracted on his phone or with talking to the cute nurses), then took me home and left.  When I had bad side effects he brushed them off as nothing.  A week after my 3rd chemo he told me to move out of his house by month end.  We talked and I thought we had resolved the issues.   He took issue with the radiation doctor examining me and that was the last appointment he went to with me.  Told me I could go myself now.  And so I did.  I drove myself to and from the remainder of my appointments.  On May 2, 2019 at 4 in the morning he told me I needed to move out and I said sure.  I found a place, told him I had and he said he didn't want me to go.  2 weeks later when nothing had changed I tried to talk to him, he started shouting at me.  I couldn't help myself, I started laughing at him, and told him I'd move asap.  I lost the first place, but quickly found another, that I liked even better than the first.  I moved in August and couldn't be happier to be away from that toxic man.  

Please know that it is NOT YOU.  This is all on him.  I know you're hurt, but you are strong, you've fought cancer.  Let's talk more, I think I can help you thru this.

Runner Girl

Thank you Runner Girl.  It is difficult but I will manage.  I am not one to share my problems publicly but needed to vent my anger and frustration.  I have managed to coordinate rides for my appointments.  Canadian Cancer does not have a ride program here.  I live too far from the hospital.   I suppose between my medical challenges and partner challenges things will be tough for a while.  I will not be surprised if we separate. 

My big worry is my long term survival chances are very low.  If the cancer returns, it is highly probable I will die.  My specialist said if it comes back there is not much they will be able to do for me.  Survival rate is 26% for the next 4 years.  It improves after the 5th year.

I am amazed someone could be so selfish, cruel and heartless when he knows my survival odds.

LucyK‍ ,

If you ever want to talk just let me know.

You seem to have things handled, that tells me you're strong.  My bet is you will defy those odds and make the 5 years and beyond.

Runner Girl

Thanks.  I will try to post an update when this all sorts out.

Hi, LucyK‍ , I’m sorry to hear about your situation. What your partner has done happens, sadly, and when it does, it’s almost always a “them problem” as opposed to a “you problem.” His running away from the situation is a betrayal to you, and that’s why it hurts so badly. 

I’m glad you’re seeking out someone to talk to. I had to do that in my last live-in relationship, too, and it did help.

The reason you are so “amazed someone could be so selfish, cruel and heartless” is because you are SO NOT THAT. That whole “opposites attract” thing can be so overrated!

I hope you’re having a better day today.

Oh, I’m sorry for people who've had partners who are so clueless. Best that they go, whenyou find out what they are made of and it’s like that. Hurts like hell. I had a partner who I found out was lying about pretty much everything.  I don’t think he was bad, just failing at life.  It would have been horrid to have found out while dealing with cancer.

It certainly clears the way for making new friends.

My Spouse is very supportive, but he is a computer guy,  and he is a slow learner with nursing skills, and I do need help.
It’s weird because I have much more health care training, but we muddle along with difficulty. We try to make it funny, if we can.but... It took us a while.There are Home Care, care workers in our area, and they helped with daily living tasks. I did this to take pressure off my hubby and also encouraged him to leave country when he needed to do a business trip...with people he liked as a break. He postponed it until I could make it with the home care assist.  He’s suffering too.

Our cancer agency was very bad at looking into services for us and we had to dig around ourselves. I even had two social workers who didn’t do a lot, not even much emotional support. It may be because they are all overworked because of the doctor shortage. I hope that is the reason.

 

Picasso’s mannequin‍ , there is a community services locator on cancer.ca’s site... you might find it helpful: https://csl.cancer.ca/en. I’ve found it very easy to use, and hope it will help you.

Thanks Cynthia. I regret not asking here months ago.! Thanks for sharing with us.

The emotional support, or lack thereof, has become much worse.  He went on an extended vacation, leaving me home to figure out my care and transportation on my own.  I feel emotionally abandoned.  How could a lifelong partner do this to the woman he has always called his best friend.  I am now crushed to learn through others that he met another woman while on vacation. Apparently they are in love, trying to figure out a way to be together.  I am very crushed, angry and bitter.  

He plans to leave me to be with her.  All this just as I am on the mend and in remission.  I cannot believe how selfish and uncaring this behaviour.  I will be facing the rest of my life on my own.  Statistically my 4 year survival is 26%.  I sure don't deserve this treatment and certainly do not need to have such an uncaring person in my life to add to my stress.  

I have read about situations like this on the past.  I never believed it could happen to me.   Thankfully,  I have found a great counsellor who is helping me deal with the situation.

LucyK‍  my heart goes out to you.   I don't even know what to say except that you are too good for him and he doesn't  deserve  you.      Good riddence to him.    I'm so glad you have a councellor  to talk to.   You have us as well.     The people  on here are so kind and supportive.     We stand behind  you.     

LucyK‍ 

My heart goes out to you. This is the last thing you should be dealing with. You are absolutely right you don't deserve this.

I'm glad that you have a counsellor who is helping. Keep reaching out for the support you need. You are strong even if you don't feel like it. You deserve support.

Sending gentle hugs,
Lacey

 

LucyK‍ , I am spewing expletives on your behalf now. I have been betrayed in the manner you’re experiencing and it sucks when you’re feeling healthy!

I am glad you have a great counsellor, and I hope you can find a great lawyer, who will settle your situation quickly and to your best advantage, particularly under the circumstances.

Remind him from me that this is not something he would ever do to a “best friend.” 

Oh LucyK‍ ,

I am so sorry.  I am so angry, on your behalf.  I'd love 5 minutes to tell him what a POS he is!

Ok, now let's focus on you and what you need to do.  Don't give him a second thought, he's not given you one.  Work with your counsellor, you'll get the necessary supports to get thru the next while.  Take care of yourself, eat well, get loads of sleep.  The best thing you can do now is to live your best life without him.  Don't let him win by allowing yourself to wither away.  Be strong, you've already fought cancer and done well, see friends, make new connections with people.  There are good people out there, you don't have to look far.

Runner Girl

Thank you Runner Girl.  I am determined not to let his inconsiderate, selfish behaviour get me down..it is a shock and hard to comprehend why he would do this at such a vulnerable time in my life.  I know now, that I am best to move forward on my own so I can continue healing without the added stress of his terrible behaviour.  I am creating a check list of things to do before the actual separation happens.
 

LucyK‍ - so sorry you are going through this - what a selfish a*hole he is!! You deserve so much more from a partner and best friend and he clearly is too selfish and immature to deal with it so you are better off without him. Karma will come around - I like to think so anyway.
I am glad you have a counsellor to talk too and are making plans for a separation. Do you have friends near by that can provide more support?
Wishing you the best and post any time - as others have said, we are all here for you!

Thanks Airies. I have many friends but none to talk to.  Our social circle is very close knit.  I have learned when something other friends split up the group tended to share confidentialities, so I dare not share. They are good people but just cannot keep their mouths shut.  I did talk to one very close friend. She is very supportive but she actually got more emotional than me do then I got even more upset.  A bit of a vicious circle.  Now I am keeping all very private until I have my plans and next steps in place. 

I do hope and pray that Karma will be his payback. 

LucyK‍ - well, you know where we are if you need to chat - and if you feel comfortable or would prefer to message someone privately instead of posting to the whole community then feel free to reach out to those you feel are good support. We are all very supportive of each other on here even if we've never met. 
Karma will get his a$$ - count on it. ;)

Thanks you.

Runner Girl:

 could duke it out to see who was taking me home after.  When I was given my results by my doctor the fiance was late arriving.  In the parking lot after I offered him an out, told him I was fighting this and if he wanted to walk go now. 

I didnt realize how much this kind of thing happens with cancer patients and spouses. My wife did the same thing, at one point, wanted to give me an out. I was shocked. I asked her to marry me instead. Last night, I asked her if there is anything she needs, anything I could do for her; and she just hugged me and said "just love me," and I was again amazed. Im just mentioning this really briefly here, because I also know how it feels to be dumped for getting sick, I know what that all feels like too. But I am here to say there are better days ahead.

LucyK‍ , as others have said, there is emotional support here. If you’d rather talk in a little bit more private setting, there is a “ladies’ only” area here on the site called Ladies Retreat, and, as you now know, you can reach out privately to any of us who have offered. 

 I know now, that I am best to move forward on my own so I can continue healing without the added stress of his terrible behaviour.

You are 100% right in this and I hope your peace finds you swiftly.

 

Thank you.  I requested to join the ladies group.