Relationships
since being diagnosed with DCIS the rlationship with my partner has taken a turn for the worst. I am 61 and we have been living together for 2 years and dating 2 years peior to that. When we met our...
Forum Discussion
Hi Marisa,
As isolating as it makes you feel, please know that you are not alone in how you are feeling and your general outlook on life.
Prior to your bc diagnosis, you were in a relatively new relationship (always exciting), moved in together and started renovations. Such plans are so exciting and perhaps was another bond for you but if that has tapered off because of your diagnosis, then yet another commonality in your relationship has gone.
Intimacy can be a major problem for both in a relationship - your partner is perhaps feeling so many things but is unable to express them to you (common male trait !).
You mentioned that your feelings for your partner now seem "shallow" and possibly your diagnosis has given you time to completely re-assess your life and how you now view the world. I know that it felt - and still does - that way for me.
The trained counsellors through the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 are great as are getting in touch with the BCNA number 1800 500 258 and they can organise for a counsellor to contact you directly. I found it very beneficial and used this as a springboard to then speak to a counsellor face to face, again organised through the Cancer Care Centre at a hospital where I had radiotherapy.
If distance proves to be a problem than a series of phone sessions can also be organised.
Although your art classes are only once a week, that social connection is important for you.
My best wishes to you Marisa and your partner and your ongoing health.
Sheryl xxx
As isolating as it makes you feel, please know that you are not alone in how you are feeling and your general outlook on life.
Prior to your bc diagnosis, you were in a relatively new relationship (always exciting), moved in together and started renovations. Such plans are so exciting and perhaps was another bond for you but if that has tapered off because of your diagnosis, then yet another commonality in your relationship has gone.
Intimacy can be a major problem for both in a relationship - your partner is perhaps feeling so many things but is unable to express them to you (common male trait !).
You mentioned that your feelings for your partner now seem "shallow" and possibly your diagnosis has given you time to completely re-assess your life and how you now view the world. I know that it felt - and still does - that way for me.
The trained counsellors through the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 are great as are getting in touch with the BCNA number 1800 500 258 and they can organise for a counsellor to contact you directly. I found it very beneficial and used this as a springboard to then speak to a counsellor face to face, again organised through the Cancer Care Centre at a hospital where I had radiotherapy.
If distance proves to be a problem than a series of phone sessions can also be organised.
Although your art classes are only once a week, that social connection is important for you.
My best wishes to you Marisa and your partner and your ongoing health.
Sheryl xxx