Hello Sunny-P, 

A very warm welcome to our friendly community. I am so sorry to hear about your ex partner's bowel cancer diagnosis. It's very unfortunate that the diagnosis happened just 4 months after your break up but you are definitely not responsible and sometimes relationships are just not meant to be - you mentioned you faced many issues. You didn't abandon him or betray him - you did what felt right for you and you couldn't have guessed he would be diagnosed with cancer shortly after. 

It must be a very hard time for him and it's good that you remained on good terms - it may be too early to know whether you can remain friends and if it's something you or he would like, and with time you will also find out whether you would like to be there for him to support him through this difficult time but ultimately you will do what feels right for you and for him. Don't be hard on yourself though - what happened is very sad and unfortunate timing for him and I hope that he has support from loved ones, friends and family but none of this is at all your fault. You've shared a lot together and it's bound to make you very sad and I wanted you to know you are not alone and that you will find others on this forum who have faced a similar situation and who I hope will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator