Losing Friends During Cancer - feeling disappointed and betrayed. How do you get past this?

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in later 2024/2025. At first friends rallied round but as time has went on some people have drifted away and never speak anymore yet there are others are always a phone call away anytime and help when they can, which has been a relief.

One person in particular who walked away was a friend of over 20 years whom I considered one of my best or so I thought. To give a bit more background in early 2025 I was going through lots of scans/isolating so I wouldn't jeapordise my surgery (as advised by the cancer team) and preparing for things incase I didnt make it as at time was risk of me dying. My head was all over the place at time.

I missed the friend in question 40th/engagement at the time which I apologised for but they made it all about them, made me feel bad for doing so which I found hurtful and selfish. I was in hospital for almost a month with complications etc and the friend never visited me once or after I was released from there. Later in the year, the day of my birthday, me and the friend had an argument about things about not visiting etc etc, I think they did this for impact. I said at end before it descended further 'let me enjoy my day as it was one I wondered if I would even see this year', their reply was as if did not care. We have not spoke since.

Later in that year the friend in question put a post up about someone else with cancer and raising money for them. I am not berating them for doing so as its commendable but you have to ask where was the concern in regards to me in the past or in general. 

Moving to this year, my friend got married recently and I wasnt invited. He always said I would be one of his best men if it were to happen. He posted a picture of him with his best man at the wedding going 'best man, best buddies' with a wink. He knew I would see that expecting a reaction but I havent rose it.

I am disappointed by it all and disillusioned to why I deserved this.

This person isn't the only one whos walked away but it has told me in future who should be in my life and who shouldnt and who I should give energy to and not in life. Even some wider family have not been the best either. I feel incredibly betrayed and become very clinical etc.

Has anyone else been through this and how did you get past this mentally?.  

  • I think you need to find more friends. 

  • Hi Strong8484,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this experience with your friend(s) must have been very hurtful, and surprising.

    It can sometimes happen in difficult situations like this that friends (or family) act in unexpected ways, that can perhaps make you question some things. I know this is something others on here will be able to relate to.

    Sometimes there is not much you can do about this, if that's the way they choose to be or act - though I know this doesn't make it any easier.

    Hopefully there are people around you - other friends and family - who are providing support. You mention some people being a phone call away, which is great.

    Mentally, it may help to try to keep the focus on you and those around you who are there for you - trying where possible to not worry about or focus on those who are acting in certain ways or who aren't there for you.

    Also reaching out to people elsewhere - for example through relevant organisations and/or forums such as this - can be a great way to connect with people who you're not so close to, but who understand.

    I hope you're getting on OK and we're always here for support if you need it.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Cancer is a conversation killer 

    You feel all you talk about is being bloody ill 

    When you say you are not feeling well who listens 

    Who genuinely is concerned 

    You best mate might not know how to handle your illness 

    That’s his problem,having cancer is no walk in the park and some people cannot cope 

    Let him go forth and multiply 

    Maggies is a cancer charity with lots of support and people who have been though hell  just like you and me 

    Give it a go you will not look back 

    Hope all goes well