Hi everyone!
I’m a year in remission, after having treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, stage 2. After 10 rounds of chemo, an operation to remove some of my lung and a bone marrow transplant, I haven’t had a relapse (yay!). However, cancer dramatically changed my life. I lost my boyfriend of 8 years and had to move out of my house and start a new life completely on my own after all the trials I had already gone through.
A year on, I am now seeing someone new. My last relationship didn’t end on good terms and so I am struggling with an array of trust issues. The smallest thing can set off a trigger and make me remember all the horrible experiences from my treatment. My new partner wants to understand, wants to help, but I am struggling to open up to him about my cancer journey.
I guess I’m just wondering if anyone here can offer some advice on how to open up to someone about everything? If there’s any tips or tricks to learning to trust someone again, and hope that my cancer experiences doesn’t scare off someone I’m starting to really care about.
x
Hi again , I was looking back your first post and it actually was 2 years back. The journey you have had has indeed been challenging, especially having a Stem Cell Transplant SCT (Bone Marrow Transplant)….. I have had two donor SCTs so I understand the side of the journey well.
But I honestly don’t have any first hand experience that I can bring to your situation with regards to your relationship although your story is not that unusual as cancer can effect all parts of life.
However I always maintain that honesty is the very best foundation to build any relationships on but how to approach this will take some thought.
You story is one of perseverance and survival. You have been through a lot and it’s important that your cancer journey should not define who you can be….. but that you must take control and define the way forward into your new life.
You may want to join and post in our general Life after cancer group as ai have talked with a few women who have walked the same relationship path.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of emotional support or just a listening ear.
You will see my drop into this group from time to time as I am 6 years on from treatment.
Also look through some of the discussion headings to see if there is anything that catches your eye.
