The people in your life

Partners 

Many people with metastatic breast cancer worry about their partner’s response to their illness. It’s normal for partners to be just as overwhelmed as you. Partners often feel they cannot express their emotions without upsetting the person they love. Many male partners often feel they need to be strong and become distressed as they cannot ‘fix’ the situation.

Living with a life-limiting illness can either bring couples closer or drive them apart. Emotions are complex for both people. Intimacy can become difficult due to reduced sexual confidence, a lowered libido and tiredness. Most people find that, although difficult, speaking openly helps their relationships during this time. 

Some partners benefit from talking to someone about their feelings and concerns. The social worker or psychologist at your treatment centre may be able to help, or your partner can ask their GP for a referral to a psychologist or counsellor.

For many people, the most distressing thing about their diagnosis is their concern for their children and in some cases, grandchildren. Discussing cancer with children, and how they react and cope, will be influenced by their age and maturity.

It is tempting to think that keeping the diagnosis a secret from children will protect them from worry.

Children also tend to sense when something is wrong and can blame themselves if a clear explanation of the situation isn’t given to them.

However upsetting, talking is essential, and it is important to help children feel that their needs and concerns are addressed. Talking openly and sensitively can provide reassurance during a time of change. They need to hear that they matter too, and that you realise that they are also affected by the diagnosis. Information you share should be adapted to the age and maturity of the child.

See the “Things you can do now” section below for some resources available to help you. 

It can be very difficult to tell your parents about a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Depending on their age and circumstances, they may already be coping with their own medical problems and may even be relying on you for help and support.

Remember, parents do not have to be told straight away as metastatic breast cancer is not an emergency. Some people decide not to tell their parents at all, perhaps because their relationship is complex, or they don’t think their parents will cope with the news. The choice is yours and you need to do what is right for you. 

Family and friends sometimes respond in unusual ways. You may not always get the response you hoped for when you tell friends you have metastatic breast cancer.

Some people may not know what to say or feel afraid of upsetting you. They may not know how you are feeling or whether you want to discuss it. Try to tell them how you feel and what you need from them. You may want to talk about different things with different people. 

When others say the ‘wrong thing’ 

Often people have no idea what to say to you for fear of saying ‘the wrong thing’. This might seem like they’re withdrawing from you and can be hurtful.

While people generally mean well, some tend to offer unrealistic and sometimes unhelpful opinions, ideas and suggestions that can be frustrating and sometimes even distressing. They might offer people advice on how they should or shouldn’t live their life, such as suggesting dramatic changes to diet and lifestyle.

The constant message from others to ‘be positive’ can be annoying. Those who offer information about the latest treatment or cure may not realise that it is generally not helpful.