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Husband shutting down emotionally

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Dec 27, 2022 | Replies (7)

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@sepdvm

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. I understand your situation, as after 10 years as my cancer caregiver, my hubby has been battling aggressive bladder cancer for 2 years with multiple surgeries. I see him being so nice and cooperative with his nurses, but then I get the brunt of his frustrations. Basically, he is going through a horrible miserable treatment and you are the one there for him to dump on. I have had some success just talking with him about how hurt I am by his reactions when I am trying to help. I have tried hard to make less suggestions even when I know it may help, because he doesn't want to hear it from me. It helps to take the mindset that perhaps one job I have as caregiver is to be there to absorb his outbursts, which are brought on by the miserable situation and helpless frustration that he feels. Perhaps a respite caregiver a few hours here and there would be helpful? There are therapists available for cancer patients and if he will not cooperate with that idea, then find a caregivers support group yourself. The end of cancer treatment is a scary time, as I felt that now we weren't fighting the cancer anymore and it was just wait and see. My doctors at Mayo Clinic suggested that many patients benefit from speaking with a therapist during this transition. You are doing your best and caregiving is tougher than being the patient at times. Hang in there, tell him how you feel even if he won't share his feelings with you, and be strong. It will get better.

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Replies to "I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. I understand your situation, as after 10..."

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. He is resistant to most everything I suggest. I think you are right, he can dump on me, but is singing praises for his nurses and technicians at the Cancer Clinic. He has preferred to sleep alone, so I am now in the second bedroom. I asked that in the morning could he come to my room and we could check in with each other… how we are feeling. He agreed. Well, first day… he won’t. Says he just wants to be alone. Why did he agree. When I said it disappointmented me, he accused me of starting an argument. I can’t win. 😢