To stay or leave my husband?
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time posting so hopefully I don't ramble on too much. I'm in my early 30's and was diagnosed with BC earlier this year. I'm 3/4 done my chemo, and will soon be starting my radiation. Throughout this whole process, I've noticed that I'm more emotional and therefore the way people treat me, react to me, etc....means more to me than it used to.
I've been with my common-law husband for just over 10 years (we had our anniversary the day after my lumpectomy surgery). Throughout this process, he's been supportive in some areas (coming to appointments, listening to my BS, etc...) and not supportive in others (not celebrating our anniversary, nor my birthday which was a week after my first chemo treatment). I've been so hurt, upset, and angry with him for not being there during those times when everyone else was that I can't find a place to forgive him right now, nor do I feel that I should. I've been finding that through my diagnosis, surgery, treatments, etc...that I'm not wanting to "waste any more time" and "do what makes me happy" and obviously going through cancer has made this a top priority.
I've recently been wanting/feeling like I can't make excuses for my relationship anymore (as there's been other disappointments besides the missed anniversary and birthday) and believe I should move on. People around me keep saying that it's just because I'm too emotional because of the cancer and the drugs, etc...that I'm feeling these things and how I'd be making a hasty/stupid decision if I left. There's a big part of me that thinks that I'm just now finding the strength to live life for me, and do what makes me happy. Because I'm still in the middle of my treatments, I don't know if it really is "my crazy brain" like everyone else is saying, or I'm just finding my voice.
Has anyone been in a similar situation, or have any suggestions as I'm not sure if I should trust myself or not. Decisions like these aren't simple, and neither is the situation but at risk of writing a novel, I hope the synopsis is enough.
Thanks
Comments
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Have you talked to him about this? Sometimes getting the communication going is the hardest part. As much as we wish it was different men and women simply do not think the same way. I wouldnt excuse his behavior either but if he doesnt know there is a problem he cant fix it. I went through a similar experience a while back and it took a few family counseling sessions to get the talks going. The relationship doesnt have to be perfect but it does need to be fulfilling on at least some level or you really are just wasting time in order to stay somewhat comfortable. I also dont believe that there is any bed that cant be unmade. Im sorry youre having to go through this. Best of luck to you.
PS...I dont think you have crazy brain. Sometimes it just takes a major life crisis to bring problems to the surface. But many problems can be solved it both parties are willing to work. -
Autism mom sounds so right Counciling can be so helpful and none of us are perfect and someimes men just look a cancer so differently and really have more fear than anything, so they might back off. Everyone feels different without knowing why I certainly don't know but he might be stuck in his own zone and after 10 yrs it might be worth it if you 2 would try for help. Buy again u sound like u have made a decision and then help might not be enough--something hurts deep in u'r heart and it didnt start now so again u make the decision.
Many of us have done this crazy disease alone so that should not be an issue--use the oldfashioned way see how many good things he bring to it and what negatives he's doing. ood Luck--I know u do not need this now.
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thanks for the support ladies
we have talked about it, and will continue to talk through it. i'm currently looking at some possible counselling, and not sure if I should use the services provided by my local cancer institute, or to get a "general" counsellor. there's just so much going on right now, that the realtionship stuff seems a little too much too handle alongside everything else, but i don't wanna make the wrong choice. super confusing. i'm hopeful that whatever happens, will be for the betterment of us both.
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You don't mention the word "love". Do you still love each other? The answer to that makes all the difference.
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gibbler
I dont know if you have children together but am assuming you do not.
Part of the problem with my husband was our different fighting styles. He likes to just hash things out which inevitably leads to lots of yelling and name calling on my part. Not proud of this but it is what it is. I prefer to just go chill for a while so I can fet my thoughts together and avoid sayinfg regretable things. I am much more articulate when not in the heat of the moment. No matter how many times I told him this he just kept ignoring it.
I was sooooo against counseling. I admit I am the non communicatoe in our relationship. But after counseling he FINALLY paid attention to the fact that I needed my fightinf space and it helped trememdously. I dont think Ive called him a stupid a**hole in years. lol
Ther were other ways it helped too but I think that was the biggest for me. I ws seriously ready to just throw in th towel on the whole thing but we have three kisds together...one wih special needs which ws my personal major life crisis and probably his too so went along with the whole counseling thing.
Things are not perfect now but we are a team and re determined to stick it out together. Sometimes just or the kids...sometimes just for ourselves...and often times for each other. If you are both willing to make the effort it can all work out. You just have to figure out if it is worth the effort. Only you can answer that for yourself. -
As for choosing a counsellor - how great that you have more than one option! The best counsellor is one that is a good fit for the two of you. So try one, and if it doesn't seem like the right fit, try the other. It should be someone you see together, at least initially, (rather than going by yourself first, and then later bringing him along.)
Longterm relationships have different stages. Sometimes if a relationship is stuck in transition between stages, it can feel like you are describing. Some help and persistence can move your relationship into something precious.
A counsellor could help you work on your disappointments before they become deep rooted resentments. Personally, I have had to make some choices around expectations - because that is what leads to disappointments.
Communication is a huge skill many of us can learn to do better.
And there are some concepts that I think every couple should know about - would save so much hurt For example - have you heard of the five love languages?
"this relationship stuff seems a little too much to handle". Alot of us feel that way sometimes! But that is life - a bit messy, and relationships are complicated - but also part of what makes life worthwhile. Ending a longterm relationship would be emotionally messy too. -
learnin is right. Lost expectations can be devastating. It is possible that this is part of what you are both going through. Life may not be what you both expected it to be. But if you can find a way to support each other through that mourning process you can grow from this and possibly find even more fulfillment in your relationship.
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no we do not have any kids together. we would have a pretty "clean" split if that's the way we decided to go. i've never been to counselling, and thought i would go by myself first but is going as a couple initially better since i fell that i'm the one that's feeling the constant disappointment? and through some of our talks, he's just waiting for me to decide what i want and leaving the ball in my court so i figured that it's all me...and that's where my insecurities in my thought processes comes in to play. and i do love him, he is honestly my best friend, but because of how hurt i am over certain things during this process, my feelings are making it hard for me to feel that love.
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If the relationship is not working then it is not just you. As they say it takes two to tango. Go together to counseling if he is wiling. You may find that he is just not able to take any responsibility for the problems you two are having. Its very strange how just having an impartial third party can shed light on issues you arent even aware of. And maybe it will make him realize that he does have some ownership in the problems. It may also make you both feel that uou are validated in your individual feelings.
I think counseling probably makes everone uncomfortable. But ten years is a lot to lose without at least trying. If you go be as honest as you can. Make your feelings known but make sure you really listen to and try to understand his feelings too. Hopefully he will do the same. -
Gibler when I just read that u just said he is u'r best friend---try not to throw that away--Do anything u can (and I hope he does too) to save and build back on u'r marriage. Being best friends is one of the most important things that a couple can be. Over yrs it what gets more important than anything else.
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The reason you should go together to counseling is that you don't want any subtle subconscious perception that the counsellor is on "your side" or "his side". It should be a counsellor fresh for both of you.
My husband and I have seen counsellors periodically over the years. We look at it as a normal thing - helpful for any couple - like regular car maintenance.
And like car maintenance, better to go when you just hear a funny squeak, rather than waiting until the car is crashed and crumpled at the bottom of a ravine.
Keep us posted! -
Id like to butt in and mention something. Chemo brain is real, the whole process of dx and treatment does put us on an emotional rollercoaster during this time and for a while after (specially if you go on hormones). It may well be that you do have real issues that you need to work through, or it may be that in a few months time, you look back and wonder what on earth you were thinking. Only you and time will be able to tell which is accurate.
I think we are all warned before chemo starts to "not sign any legally binding documents" during the treatment. I was grateful for this warning as my ex husband was pushing me to sign our property settlement during that time, and if I had I would have lost a lot of money and even worse, let him get away with robbing me lol. Im telling you this to show that my brain was not working properly as his offer at the time seemed fair to me, but I just had a feeling something was off and couldnt put my finger on what. It wasnt till several months post treatment, that I went along to a solicitor and found out he was trying to rob me blind. In normal circumstances I would have been fully aware of that and told him to take his offer and shove it haha. But chemo did a job on my brain and it could be doing a job on your brain and emotions.
Were you happy with each other before diagnosis and treatment?
Youve been together 10 years, would another few months hurt while you finish the treatment and recover somewhat so that you have the peace of mind in knowing that whatever decision you end up making is the right one and not a decision caused by overreacting emotions and hormones?
Whatever decision you make, good luck on getting through the remainder of your treatment with minimal s/e's
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I would personally value a man more who was "supportive in some areas (coming to appointments, listening to my BS, etc...)" than one who celebrated my birthday or anniverary! But that's just me - we aill are different in what makes us tick
That said, I think what everyone else said is right on target! Good luck in getting through treatment and making this very important decision!
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gibbler sent you a PM
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I think it must be common for couples to split after a dx of bc. or any cancer. Its stressful, and each person is going thru their own experience. My husband and i were having issues before my dx, and now it hasnt gotten better. We are back in counseling, and communication is the main issue. Im the one who has problems with it, he is a talker, tho with cancer, he has not wanted to burden me with what he is going thru. The result - me feeling like I am completely alone in this journey.
If you think your relationship is worth saving.......Id consider going to counseling. Talk to friends, get a recommendation from someone you trust. Thats how i found my therapist - from a friend, who is a therapist.
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I agree with JoanQuilts. I wanted to clobber my husband a few times during my tx, but I realized that we were both under so much stress. We were both drained emotionally, physically, sexually, and financially. Of course that doesn't give him the excuse to be a jerk, but maybe a little bit.
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