Hi, my partner has been diagnosed with a chronic type of leukaemia 8 months ago and is taking chemo daily - treatment will continue probably for life. His mood has totally changed, he was a pleasant and kind person who now is constantly angry with everything, shouting at me and blaming me for things that have happened between us in the past, sometimes adding imaginary plots. If I suggest that we should watch a film together, he will accept but a few days later he will blame me for putting pressure on him to do things he doesn't want or like. I honestly don't know how to cope with this behaviour, I try to get out of his way or keep silent because as soon as I open my mouth an explosion will happen. Please help me.
Hi and welcome to the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us and so sorry to hear about your partners leukaemia diagnosis and the challenges you are facing. I am Mike and I help out around our various Blood Cancer groups.
I don’t have leukaemia but I was diagnosed back in 1999 with a rare, incurable type of NHL Stage 4a so although my Blood Cancer ‘type’ is different I understand the challenges of the journey well…… and I remember the anger in the early years….. but my wife knew it was so out of character and yes it did pass.
Taking with others who are on the same journey can help you so can I recommend that you consider joining one of our supportive groups. These are our main Leukaemia groups below.
General Leukaemia Group
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our general Family and friends group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best.
