Has anyone else been abandoned by family after a cancer diagnosis?

Hey Sharon, I'm sorry to say this but I think it comes down to some people feeling awkward and not knowing what to say or how to react. Sometimes, they might just need a little direction? I know it's sometimes easier to chalk it up to the old, and almost always incorrect, saying that they are afraid it might rub off on them. As already mentioned, that's rarely the case. I think if you reach out to one of your family members, they might actually be excited to know that there is something they can do to help you? I always try to look at the glass half full or the bright side of things. I sincerely hope I'm correct about your family. There are many good hearted people in this group who are ready and willing to listen in a non-judgmental way. Another safe space might be to seek professional counseling. I know it has been extremely beneficial for me. I'm sending you strength and positive energy for the journey ahead of you! Take good care.

Hi Sharon! Garey, is right about everyone reacts differently.Just like us that were told “you have cancer” You may try reaching out to each of them through text or email. Let them know how you are feeling , it may be easier for them to respond from a distance until they feel more at ease and comfortable talking about it. Good luck wishing you the best! We are here to help and support each other like family! 🙏

Hi Sharon, I'm so very sorry about what you are feeling. We definitely don't need anything extra or to feel unloved during this difficult time. Sometimes, family and friends just don't know what to do, say, or how to act. For some reason, they seem to think we are now broken and they can't handle it. I have always been there for my family. I must say, they did step up when I needed them. They may have done so because, thankfully, I had never really asked anything of them. Try to reach out to those who you would normally feel comfortable with. Go ahead and ask them why they have stepped back. Ask them, just when you need them the most, why? If that doesn't work out, reach out to your team of doctors, social workers, and psychologists. Speak to a third party for support as well. Vent here, too. That's what we are here for, to support each other. Best to you, and I will be thinking of you 🤗 ❤️

Maybe they're afraid because of you having a compromised immune system that you may catch a cold or something from them, I have masks and had sanitizer in my room for visitors and have only been sick one time other than from chemo..

I so understand how you feel I’ve be dealing with multiple myeloma stage four of and on for 14 yrs now had a stem cell transplant and was only in remission for 7 months then it came back with a vengeance had bbeen doing chemo for yrs only to be told that the chemo isn’t working anymore and I have to be admitted back into the hospital for chemo because the type of chemo that I would get able to get I can’t because I’m also a heart patient due to the open heart surgery I had to get when the oral chemo caused a pulmonary embolism . I have to adult kids that I raised as a single patient after going through divorce when my youngest was 7 months my kids are only 15 months apart when I got diagnosed, the doctor told me I had 6 to 8 weeks to live and it’s been almost 14 years ago. My spare didn’t receive it, and God didn’t tell me yet and I’m still here. I’m saying this to say that through all of it, I’ve pretty much went through it alone, hardly with any support from my kids after raising them as a single parent seeing them through college and grad school for my son and undergrad for my daughter who is now a flight attendant and could fly for free, but still neither one of them are here for me so I totally understand what you’re going through but I want to tell you from one person to another keep your head up and please never feel alone at any time you can reach out to me and I’ll always will answer you !!!🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pls hang in there and know I understand and you’re not alone you can always message me I promise to respond…..

This experience of feeling abandoned during a challenging time is unfortunately more common than it should be, and many people in this community have shared similar struggles with family relationships changing after a cancer diagnosis. Sometimes families react to difficult news in ways that hurt the people who need support most, whether it's because they don't know how to help, feel overwhelmed by their own emotions, or struggle with their own fears about illness. Consider reaching out to support groups or counselors who specialize in family dynamics during illness - they can provide strategies for communication and help process these difficult feelings while you focus on your health and wellbeing.