[Kasey33]

I was wondering if anyone out there has any counseling experience with couples after a cancer diagnosis? More often then not I am hearing about break ups with young adults after a breast cancer diagnosis, and no counseling is offered for the partner. Anyone want to help?

[Callmebj]

That's a sad commentary on couples. I was well entreached in my marriage before I had cancer...I think it awfully hard on my husband. He was a guy who wanted to fix everything for me...and in this he was helpless. What does it mean in the marriage
vows as to "In Sickness and in Health"; if one is going to bail on the other. Young adults need to understand committment. I really don't know if counseling would help; as you are in the midst of a "wait and see" thing for about 5 years after chemo.Just my two cents, bj

[Leed]

Hi ~ Counseling should be SOUGHT for the partner. It's going to be rough for awhile, especially if the cancer is more advanced. Mine was at "Stage Zero" - I didn't even know there WAS a Stage Zero! So I was pretty readily cured. But I still had to watch for a "relapse" for several years.

Ask your oncologist about counseling for your mate. Your doc should know of someone who could help -- they may even have someone on staff. And hopefully your mate will GO to counseling cause it's really necessary!

I wish you the very best!!! God bless and PLEASE keep us updated. Hugs, Lee