Feeling alone...my husband has disconnected.
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I don't know if you'll get this. My boyfriend and I just had a big ol fight. Hes been keeping secrets because he didnt want to upset me. Lying to my face about some of it. I just lost my mind.
I found what you write so helpful. I don't know how any if this will play out but I was able to find a little compassion for the clueless man.
Cynthia
Dx 12/21/12, DM 1/9 stage II (downgraded from stage III), A/C x 4 Taxol x 12 rads 6 weeks, herceptin -
Sorry, I was replying to dogeyed....
Ugh
Cynthua -
Wow! Wish I would have found this ages ago! Was feeling like I'm the only one going thru this: married 20+ years and my husband just doesn't care. So many interesting thoughts here and I appreciate the men's POV - gives me things to think about.
My history: Had my 1st mx back in 1996 with 14-yr old step son and almost 3-yr old daughter. Hubby was very affected by BC and his coping was to try to make me see all the positive (he was really feeling the fear) but I needed time to accept what was happening. I just wanted a little time to adjust to new "normal" and cry a little bit. He bossed me into doing it his way even while saying bc didn't affect how he felt about me. He was supportive & loving when I went thru chemo with my bald head.
Meanwhile, other problems developed, our marriage wasn't all rosy and he didn't want to deal with anything. Liquor has been his friend. That's a huge source of the problem.
2nd bc DX back in Sept. so I decided to do recon for both sides this time. Decision was for me, not him. Tired of "the hole in my chest" look, how it affected my self-esteem and how i had to dress so very conservatively. Kids are now grown and out of the house. He insisted for mx hospital stay to have extra bed so he could spend the night with me (he didn't stay). He had been unemployed for a while (till recently) so work pressure wasn't an issue. Before mx friends offered to bring dinners and help me in any way, but he made such a stink, I declined their offers. He did nothing much for me: I've done all my own laundry (not his) all along, had to make my own meals, but he did take me to most of my appts. He gives me my 1 hug a day (at the most) along with a peck on the lips. Since before DX he said he really wanted just to hold me in bed and that hasn't happened yet. Really? Am I that awful? Have rarely slept in our bed because I can't get comfy with TE's, but mainly it's just too sad sleeping alone in the same bed. My only companions have been my cats (recently lost my guardian cat).
Just realized the other night that I hope I'm not having unrealistic expectations for exchange surgery in a couple weeks, I just want to feel pretty again FOR ME, not for him.
Sorry this is so long, now that I found an appropriate place to vent, I just need to get this off my chest (ha ha!).
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Hello!
I haven't been here for a long time. My divorce will be final in two months. We are both so much happier since I filed for divorce. No expectations equal no disappointments. We still live in the same house, but we don't talk to each other and don't go into the same room. Its really weird, but it works, financially.
There is definitely no shortage of available men! Dating after 18 years of marriage is a real eye opener. I have tried internet dating and have met men during my daily travels. The guys at work know I am divorcing, so, they either try their luck with me, or they bring their friends around. After being in a very lonely marriage, this is very refreshing and a big boost for my self esteem. I have dated a few guys, but I am really picky! I have dated two semi-seriously, but now have whittled it down to one. He is 20 years younger than me, but, I look really young for my age. So the age gap isnt outwardly visible. He is very mature for his age, so we really don't see any major problems. Plus, he has mega energy - probably the only guy that can keep up with me!
I am telling you this to give hope. There is a life after BC. You can survive a divorce and look forward to deciding what YOU want to do with your life. I went back to school, have hit the gym regularly, spend time with my kids and have a playmate when I want one. For me, this is living!
Be well and be gentle with yourself. It gets better.
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Oh Maddy that is so hard and painful. Yes, you go girl get the surgery for you because it may help you feel better. I am astonished at the behaviour of your husband. Maybe I am not astonished, just feel sad about it. You deserve to be hugged and loved.
I had reconstruction done on the breast, but no nipple yet. I am also thinking of having it done for me. Husband was sort of there for me, but one week after surgery wanted to leave. He has been wanting to leave ever since and when I am not lovely and perfect, he tells me again he wants to go his own way. By mistake or godly intervention I found out on our holiday that he has signed up for a dating site. This evening he is out and it looks like he is checking his phone in the car. I am pretending now to be so cool and unconcerned, but inside I am so sad.
Once my face does not look so tired and tarnished from crying I will put on my party dress and high heels, put on the makeup and pretend I am going out with the girls downtown. In reality I would probably go over to my friends house for tea and cry some more and have the damn makeup sting my eyes.
I really hope you have people to support you. When I read that you wrote your story on March 23, I thought oh god I need to reply.
Hugs
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Wow Maddy, you pretty much wrote my experience. I agree that alcohol is the main problem. My husband is an alcoholic.(in denial) and I have seen over the years how beer has become his lover. I was almost ready to leave before dx but after realized that I really needed whatever support he could offer. Like you, I only get a hug if I initiate, a kiss if I approach and he doesn't sleep with me-which is ok because I can't stand the smell of undigested beer eminating from every pore. He can't cope with things and turns to beer, I realize that and accept that. Just sometimes, I wish he would come up to me on his will, hold me and tell me things are going to be ok. We haven't been intimate since my dx, when I try, he says he just can't get into it. I see he really is suffering and hurting, but he doesn't see that I am also.
Somehow he does know what to say to me though,he can get me out of a blue moment with one comment, or get me laughing! I really miss the non alcoholic man he use to be.
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