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Often we focus on those who leave rather than the awesome partners who stick around and are supportive every step of the way.
What are your thoughts?

April 19
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal stories about why some partners leave after a cancer diagnosis, with many reflecting that fear of mortality,... Read more

Members shared deeply personal stories about why some partners leave after a cancer diagnosis, with many reflecting that fear of mortality, discomfort with illness, and an inability to adapt to change are common reasons people pull away. Several members described unexpected silver linings, noting that casual friends, coworkers, and even acquaintances often stepped up in beautiful ways, while others shared how leaving painful relationships ultimately opened the door to healthier, more supportive ones. A recurring theme was resilience and moving forward, with members finding comfort, humor, and genuine connection with each other, including sweet exchanges about beloved teddy bears that brought warmth and lightness to the conversation.

MyBCTeam

Why do some partners leave after a breast cancer diagnosis while others stay supportive?

You're absolutely right that we should celebrate the partners who stay. The reality is that breast cancer affects relationships in different ways, and people respond based on their own capacity to handle difficult situations.

Why some Show Full Answer

Why do some partners leave after a breast cancer diagnosis while others stay supportive?

You're absolutely right that we should celebrate the partners who stay. The reality is that breast cancer affects relationships in different ways, and people respond based on their own capacity to handle difficult situations.

Why some partners struggle or leave:

- Fear and not knowing what to say or do can cause some people to withdraw
- The shift from romantic partner to caregiver can be overwhelming for some
- Some simply lack the emotional tools to cope with a life-changing diagnosis

Why others stay and thrive:

Many partners rise to the occasion beautifully. A MyBCTeam member shared how her husband attended all appointments, while her son kept her laughing and her sister stayed to help after surgery. Another member's husband even shaved his head in solidarity.

Research shows that early-stage breast cancer isn't actually a risk factor for divorce, which is encouraging news. Strong relationships often become even stronger through open communication and mutual support.

The partners who stick around understand that their presence matters more than "fixing" things. As one member wisely noted, "It's more important for them to just be there. That alone is worth everything."

April 19
A MyBCTeam Member

Rejection can feel like abandonment. We aren’t built for it. We are social creatures it takes a minute of sitting with it and understanding that some people are in our lives for "A Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime".

April 19
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member I am sorry your ex put you through all this. I like that you feel you have acknowledged he was lacking, and have moved on. Life is too short to carry bad feelings. My ex was a disappointment as well. After I divorced him he used to visit my brother every year and ask if I was ok and happy. My brother finally told him he should quit coming around, I had moved on, remarried, and had now been married to my hubs for longer than that first marriage- so yes, I was more than ok, and very happy.

Getting rid of someone who isn't really there for you- just leaves you open to finding a better situation, either with someone else, or just in your own space and peace. Hugs!

April 20
A MyBCTeam Member

I will be happy to be mad at your x-husband for you!!!! Rose I am so very sorry that loser could not keep his vow to you. My husband did not believe me when I told him how many husbands leave there sick spouses. We are married for life and after a horrible abusive first marriage I got really lucky. He helped with everything I needed. I had a call back on a mammo and I have 3 follow ups tomorrow. He is already planning his day around me. I know how lucky I am. Some men I just can't understand. This is when you needed him most and the coward walked away. We are definitely the stronger species! There are some good ones out there its just hard to find them. You need a nickname for him a couple suggestions. asshole, loser, coward, child, selfish, mean, dumbass, And just not a good guy. I feel better when I talk to my new husband about my ex and call him all kinds of mean names. lol We are all here for you!!!! hugs, Lee

April 19
A MyBCTeam Member

It's really surprising who sticks with you and who doesn't after a cancer diagnosis. I lost some good friends and my husband.

My take on some of the people that leave your life is they aren't comfortable around cancer, sick people, and thinking about their own mortality or that of their friend or partner. I also think that in some cases guilt and resentment factor in there with some of the losses. I know that was a big factor in my divorce. My ex actually apologized to me about a year ago for not being strong enough to stay by my side and regrets his decisions and actions now. I wanted to smack him and I wanted to cry at the same time, but instead I managed to keep my cool and tell him I knew that already and at this point in my life I am moving forwards, not going backwards. Some people can't adjust to the fact that cancer changes their friend or partner who has endured it both mentally and physically, but underneath it all we are still ourselves even though there's been some physical and mental modifications along our journey. A person can't go through something as major as most cancers without being changed in some ways.

That being said it's also amazing who actually does show up for you. I had some more casual friends and acquaintances that stepped up and helped me in so many ways. Even some of my co-workers that I barely knew and a bartender at a restaurant I went to once a week offered to help and came to visit me and took me to and from doctor appointments and surgery or out to eat and shopping.

I've learned through it all you don't truly know many people's true nature until faced with a major crisis or catastrophe. Nowadays I don't blame most people who couldn't hack it and just try to be there, that's their own thing to deal or not deal with. There's even a couple that I pity because in the long run it's more their loss than mine.

April 19

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