Coping with Cancer Alone: My Family's Silence
Community Member
2 years agoI have been diagnosed three times. The first two times I had surgery, was off work a week and continued on with work and treatment. My siblings never contacted me and my coworkers never mentioned my cancer at all. The third time was six months ago when I learned I had metastatic breast cancer in my spine, ribs and scapula. My sister took me to radiation and other appointments because she felt like she had to (her exact words). She stopped doing that three months ago. No one in the family stops by, calls or emails. It's saddening and hurtful and has definitely been a learning experience I never thought I would have.
Accepted Answer
Facing cancer without the family support that's expected can feel incredibly isolating, and these experiences often reveal difficult truths about relationships during challenging times. Many people in cancer communities share similar stories about family dynamics changing during illness, and connecting with others who understand this unique pain can provide the support that's missing elsewhere.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
6 months agoI’ve found that in my 40+ years of having cancer that family are the last folks to be by your side. 😔
Community Member
6 months agoI pray you have support We all need
Community Member
6 months agoI can relate. My daughter who I haven’t seen in 15 years felt compelled to “come help” after surgery. She said she wanted to involve her brothers so she could “share this sh!t sandwich”(her words). It was very stressful. She was very controlling and had me in tears more than once. Have barely heard from her since(April 4th was my surgery). I’m sorry you’re going through this.
Community Member
6 months agoAs an only child who lost her mother in 2016 to pancreatic cancer and children live out of state, I feel soo alone more often than not! I am so sorry we have to deal with this alone or felt as though we’re burdening others… My worst fear!
Community Member
2 months agoFacing cancer without the family support that's expected can feel incredibly isolating, and these experiences often reveal difficult truths about relationships during challenging times. Many people in cancer communities share similar stories about family dynamics changing during illness, and connecting with others who understand this unique pain can provide the support that's missing elsewhere.
New to the community?
Create an account to connect with others navigating cancer.
Related Questions
- The Empty Legacy of Unmet Expectations
- Coping with a Breast Cancer Diagnosis as a Mother
- Coping with Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment While Facing Job Loss
- Should I Tell My Family About My Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
- The Healing Power of Support
- Feeling Alone and Scared with Early-Stage Cancer
- Why do I still feel like my life sucks despite knowing it could be worse?
- What free resources help women fighting cancer prepare for treatment?
© 2025 Outcomes4Me Inc. All rights reserved.