Hello KattyB

I'm sorry to hear that your husband's recent diagnosis and treatment has highlighted some gaps in the relationship between you and other family members.

I'm sure that there are other members here on the forum who will recognise the indifference and distance that family members put between themselves and others when cancer is mentioned. 

Often it can be because people don't know what to say or are scared of saying/doing the wrong thing. In your post you mention that your family has never been engaged with any family illness so it seems that this has just been highlighted even further recently. 

I'm unsure from your post what kind of relationship you have with them. Have you expressed how the lack of support and empathy has impacted your ability to cope with everything that you're dealing with? Sometimes difficult but honest conversations can help. 

It sounds from your posts as if you could do with some support and I'd encourage you to reach out to an organisation such as Maggie's. They are there to support anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis, including family. 

If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

I do hope that things improve for you and your husband soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hello KattyB

I'm sorry to hear that your husband's recent diagnosis and treatment has highlighted some gaps in the relationship between you and other family members.

I'm sure that there are other members here on the forum who will recognise the indifference and distance that family members put between themselves and others when cancer is mentioned. 

Often it can be because people don't know what to say or are scared of saying/doing the wrong thing. In your post you mention that your family has never been engaged with any family illness so it seems that this has just been highlighted even further recently. 

I'm unsure from your post what kind of relationship you have with them. Have you expressed how the lack of support and empathy has impacted your ability to cope with everything that you're dealing with? Sometimes difficult but honest conversations can help. 

It sounds from your posts as if you could do with some support and I'd encourage you to reach out to an organisation such as Maggie's. They are there to support anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis, including family. 

If you'd like to chat with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

I do hope that things improve for you and your husband soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator