“I had no idea where to get help, I just had to cope.”
Here is a list of typical feelings gleaned from talking to men about their reaction to learning the woman they love has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Note: if it is on the list it is because many men in your situation have mentioned it. You are not alone.
- Feeling guilty? Wondering what you did to bring it on? There
is no cause for the illness which makes it hard to comprehend.
- Frustrated at not being able to fix the situation?
- Unprepared, shocked, disbelieving?
- Worried about your own ability to cope with the loss of your
partners breast?
- Isolated? You may feel very alone when the woman you love is
in hospital and find it hard to ask for help.
- Moodiness, loss of energy and gnawing fears behind your controlled
exterior?
- Difficulty in concentrating, disrupted sleep, appetite changes,
loss, sadness, powerless?
- Difficulty in coping with the emotional and physical distress
felt by the woman you love?
- Worried and guilty about finances?
