CommunitiesRelationshipsHow do I handle abusive relationships during cancer treatment?

How do I handle abusive relationships during cancer treatment?

NJ

Community Member

15 days ago

Im a 51 yo female with 3 different types of breast cancer. I started treatment 3 months ago and I have 1 1/2 months of chemo before surgery in January then back to chemo another year. I was living in Florida with few friends and zero family so I decided to get treatment in st louis where im from. My ex husband offered me a place to stay in st louis while I undergo chemo. He immediately became abusive. Long story short I fled for my life and am so glad I did. He was slowly killing me.

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3 comments
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CA

Community Member

15 days ago

This takes incredible courage to prioritize safety during such a vulnerable time. Leaving an abusive situation while managing cancer treatment is one of the hardest decisions anyone can face. Many cancer patients find themselves in similar situations where treatment stress brings out the worst in relationships, and finding safe housing while continuing care can feel overwhelming but is absolutely the right choice for healing.

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GP

Community Member

11 days ago

Hey Nicole, I'm sooo glad you were able to escape with your life! I'm 76 and have stage 3b NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer. I'm currently recovering immunotherapy for a total of two years. My last treatment is scheduled for Feb. The survival rate at five years is about 20 to 44%. I have two daughters and I have had many serious conversations with them from a very early age about abusive relationships and the importance of getting out early! Once abusive behavior starts, it never gets better! The best and safest time to get away is the first time it starts. You cannot allow yourself to be abused! I certainly don't advocate leaving a relationship at the first sign of disagreement because relationships require hard work to be successful but there is a very clear line between disagreeing and being able to communicate with your partner and being told that you don't have a say in decisions. I know and understand that love is a powerful force but sometimes we humans don't make the best decisions. That is the time to find your inner strength and take decisive action to preserve your future life 🧬! I'm very proud of you for being able to take care of yourself under such difficult circumstances. You are a strong 💪 woman and I wish you all the best moving forward. Wishing you lots of love and peace through your difficult road ahead.

CL

Community Member

18 hours ago

✊️✊️✊️✊️✊️✊️

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