how do i help a friend?

Hi was just after a bit of advice..my friend was diagnosed with Lymphoma last year and had his spleen removed in October. he was given the all clear shortly after this but has now since started losing weight rapidly again and waiting further tests and xrays to determine the cause of this..

I have been there for him offering late night online chats, inviting him for coffee, texting and phone calls etc and trying to keep as much positivity going throughout this..but now he has hit this low spell and lost weight again he is shutting everyone out, not coming for coffee, removed himself from soical media and not really engaging. 

 

While I am giving him and respecting the space he obviously needs how do I help him and be there for him without sounding like a broken record every time I text or speak to him saying "im here if you need me/want to talk" or "you know where I am" etc? Just want him to know that he isnt alone and doensnt have to go thru it by himself. 

  • Hi Kath,

    My partner is doing the shutting me out thing too. He's already said that if/when his cancer returns he doesn't want anyone around. Not me, his Son. No one.

    He says it's becasue he doesn't want anyone to see him vulnerable, in pain, less than 100%. It's nothing to do with me or the way I am with him. He just can't cope not being in control.

    It's bloody hard to be pushed away time after time after time but caring and loving someone enough to keep going back. I'm not coping with the rejection at all.

    I've considered going behind his back and contacting his Macmillan nurse on the quiet to see if she can help but think I need to keep that up my sleeve as a last resort as he will become very angry if he ever finds out. He sees not complying with his wishes as a lack of respect on my part. He doesn't understand that I need to be supported too!

    Maybe it's a male pride thing. I don't know.

    I'm replying as I don't want you to feel that you are the only one going through this - you are not.

    It's a very very lonely place we are both in.

    Talk to me if it helps.

    Lisa