Feelings and how to deal with them

When diagnosed with cancer, your partner and you may go through a variety of emotions that could affect your relationship. These may include feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, and denial.

There are some things you can do to help:

• Exercise may help lift your spirits and lower stress hormones.
• Complementary therapies can help you relax and may relieve the specific symptoms or side effects of the treatment.
• Talking about your feelings can help you cope with what is happening to you.
• Writing down your feelings in a diary or blog can help you organize your feelings.
• Plan activities together, such as meals or vacations.
• Tell your partner how they can best help you.
• Talking to a counselor may help you and your partner cope with your cancer.
• Talk to your GP if you wish to have professional help.

Practical concerns for work and family life

Cancer can affect your ability to continue work and can affect life at home as well as your relationships.

You may have to change the way you work or stop working altogether while receiving treatment. This can be difficult to adjust to and may cause financial problems.

Your role in the home may change. You may not be able to carry out the same tasks you are accustomed to. This can be hard to accept and may impact your self-esteem.

Cancer can put a great deal of pressure on your relationship. Some couples become closer because of cancer, though it can also bring problems. There is no right way to cope with cancer. How you live with what cancer involves will depend on individual personalities and life experiences.

It is important to communicate with those who are close to you. It may be useful to talk to people who have gone through similar situations. Support is available to help.