| Re: Why can't my spouse be supportive?
He's probably scared to death. I agree you need to sit down and have a heart to heart. He may not realize how serious the matter can be. Most men aren't as well educated about breast cancer.
I know I am scared. My wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer in late November. She had her 1st chemo on the 15th of December. She's particpating in a clinical trial. It all seems to be moving really fast. Her nurses and docs are keeping me informed and it helps. I have a lot of confidence in her doctors and nurses.
Make sure he's kept informed. Sometimes the arguments are a result of feeling left out or uninformed.
I don't know anything about you or your husband but you may consider having your medical info available to him (ie let him be able to talk to the docs and nurses. There was a release my wife signed.)
If he's like any other typical male he won't agree to see a therapist to talk about his concerns. You may have to use your connections and spend time with other cancer survivors (and their husbands). He may be more willing to talk to another survivor's husband. He probably feels like the only one out there. I didn't really know how many there were out there. If you can't find anyone try attending your local Relay for Life, Cancer Society and similar events.
Remember most men just want to fix a problem or forget about it. Let him feel useful. give him small jobs, Pharmacy runs, My wife let me read her clinical trial application (I think it was about 20 govt written pages) and let him come to the clinic when he's ready.
Keep him informed, give him love, give/get him support and he'll be there for you.
But then again I'm a newbie here as well. So treat this as just a grain of sand from the beach.
|