Estrangement

Hi everyone, I wonder if someone can help me put perspective on my relationship with my son.

He has terminal brain cancer. He has had radical surgery which has bought him time- really quite amazing. He has recovered his speech and is working hard on his fitness, losing weight and very focussed.

He is 40 and lives in the USA- I'm in the UK. I know he has much to process and I've spent time listening and supporting and going over to help with practical things. He has been very unpleasant to me which I took as just lashing out. Post surgery I feel his personality has altered (I understand his fear, determination and the effects of surgery on his brain) but I feel so unhappy that he cuts me out, if I comment (just like anyone else) on his social media he reprimands me.

I know this isn't about me but I feel as if I'm grieving quietly. I can't tell him because I know he would just say that this isn't about ME. We used to be so close. I'm lost and very sad.

  • Hi across the pond, I think our children like their privacy, even on social media, I comment on my daughter's sometimes but choose the post carefully or she may feel I'm snooping on her, so don't comment at all.  It's difficult when they live away but you could try Messenger or WhatsApp to post and these are private.  Just persevere with him, my daughter had a hard time after the birth of her second child and I was always the Brunt of her anger and it was really hard as we had always been close, but this took four years to sort out and the change came when her Dad was diagnosed with cancer.  So hang in there, write chatty letters and ask how he is doing, tell him what you have done, don't moan or complain, he is trying so hard to overcome it all, just be there for him.  Sending a virtual hug your way, Carol x 

  • Thanks for your response and sharing your experience and thoughts. I know you’re right. I must just keep things light. I message by WhatsApp and don’t ask so it’s all very superficial. He also doesn’t want to know about me and my life. If I share anything at all he just disappears. He never calls me Mum now also. I know I’ve just not to take it to heart. It’s so hard as I can’t be there for him (even if he wanted me to be, as he did before the op). He is in touch with his brothers and he’s told one that he has been horrid so it’s not like he doesn’t know. I feel I don’t know him anymore. Just got to be a big girl about it! Thanks again for replying x
  • You're very welcome, it's extremely hard to be cut out, my daughter did the same, went quiet if I mentioned my life, never commented, even when I talked about my other daughter, her sister.  It tore me apart at times but I never gave up, it sounds like he knows what he is doing, don't give in, he will eventually realise what he has done.  Carol x 

  • Your sons had brain surgery, sometimes these can change a persons personality, just something to think about as you said its only since his operation thats hes changed.