New bowel cancer diagnosis

Have just put this under 'practical matters' but maybe this is more appropriate. My husband has just been diagnosed with nhs screen detected bowel cancer. We are now in the waiting stage- for appt. with consultant then surgery. My husband is fine on the surface (with friends, family etc) but at home he seems to blame me and is totally shutting me out. I really want to help and support him, I love him so much, but it is like he hates me now and thinks he can manage the 'journey' on his own. We have been together over 20 years and thought we could see any problem through together. How can I help him when he wont even talk to me?

  • Hi bobheather, 

    Welcome to the forum.

    I'm really sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and the impact it is having on your relationship at the present time. Everyone reacts differently to life changing news and although it may seem like he is blaming you and shutting you out it might be his way of trying to protect you.

    He may also still be adjusting to the diagnosis and just needs time and space to accept what is happening but I'm sure when he is ready he will talk to you about it.

    Many of our members have been in similar situations with their nearest and dearest and I'm sure they will pop by soon to offer their support and share their experiences with you but in the meantime I have found some information on our website that might help. We have a section dedicated to bowel cancer and an area on how to cope emotionally.

    Wishing you all the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator