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?.  

Parents
  • I have had the same thing with friends and family and it has made me feel very sad and let down. So many people say I don't know what to say. If someone tells me they have cancer I say I'm so sorry please let me know if there is anything I can do. It's not that hard. I had a friend of 48 years (we were at school together) and when I told her she just said oh dear. I have listened to her problems for years. Months and months passed and not a word from her. A year has passed now and I could be dead for all she knows and nothing from her. I understand how hurt you feel and you really don't deserve to be treated like this. I have found some people avoid you. I don't know why as I'm not the sort of person who goes on and on about having cancer. I guess when you are seriously ill you find out who your true friends are. I have a massive family and only a few of them have asked me how I am. It is difficult to get past the feeling of being let down but don't waste time thinking about people who haven't been there for you. Concentrate on those who have been there for you. xx

Reply
  • I have had the same thing with friends and family and it has made me feel very sad and let down. So many people say I don't know what to say. If someone tells me they have cancer I say I'm so sorry please let me know if there is anything I can do. It's not that hard. I had a friend of 48 years (we were at school together) and when I told her she just said oh dear. I have listened to her problems for years. Months and months passed and not a word from her. A year has passed now and I could be dead for all she knows and nothing from her. I understand how hurt you feel and you really don't deserve to be treated like this. I have found some people avoid you. I don't know why as I'm not the sort of person who goes on and on about having cancer. I guess when you are seriously ill you find out who your true friends are. I have a massive family and only a few of them have asked me how I am. It is difficult to get past the feeling of being let down but don't waste time thinking about people who haven't been there for you. Concentrate on those who have been there for you. xx

Children
  • Hi Lyricoflight, You are so right in saying don't waste time thinking about people who haven't been there for you. Concentrate on those who have been there for you. I just think some people who we used to know before we had cancer just don't know how to speak to us anymore? Let's face it, if all they want to talk about when they are with us is our cancer? Then they are not going to help us to be happy now. I have become a real loner now, I just have not been able to find people who I feel comfortable with because I don't feel they feel comfortable with me? I am learning to live my life on my own now, the one good thing about this is I have no one else to please, only myself :). xx

  • That makes me feel sad that you are a loner now, especially after going through cancer. I just don't understand why people abandon you when you need them the most. I have come to the conclusion that all you need is a few good friends. I hope you find some decent friends in the future. There must be some kind people out there. xx

  • Thank you. It does make me feel angry, and sad as I have always been there for people in the past. Helping them out with their own mental health issues (Many times) Due to the training I did in Psychotherapy. Yet, when I needed the strength, and support from them ? No one there. I am not feeling sorry for myself, I just cannot believe how selfish people can be when you have helped them in the past. I have had 1 year of seeing a Psychiatrist, which helped me to see I am a very strong person, that's why I have always helped others, now I will make sure I use the strength I gave others to myself.