My long time boy friend is recovering from lung cancer. It appears that his treatments have been successful. It has been 4 months since his last surgery. However, he now appears to have no interest in things romantic -- and does not want more than a peck on the cheek when we part. He is 60 years old. Is this typical of such a physical trauma? I worry, of course, that it is not just exhaustion from the treatment and surgery, but that he has begun to rethink his life without me in it. I am not sure it is fair at this point to ask him.
I wish I had some words of wisdom, but I don't. Talk to him. He may not even be aware his behavior has changed. Communication between two people that love each other and have a history together is always fair.
You must not assume anything. Keep communication lines open by being kind, caring, and showing him affection even he des not seem to return it. Make a doctor appointment for him, and in the meantime let the doctor know your concerns. Many health problems can cause emotional aloofness, so that must be ruled out. Perhaps, he needs a counselor to talk to, or even both of you. A good place to start is a cancer survivor support group. Sometimes men just have a hard time espressing their feelings, and do not know where to start.
Just make sure he maintains a healthy lifestyle - the best way is to work on this together with him, and always let him know you care no matter what. All relationships go through ups and downs. Some do for reasons that are just plain silly, let alone something as serious as an illness related to cancer.
Best of wishes to you.
Look it is but natural that when any body coming out from such a life threatening disease. He may suffer from a settled of great fear of death. Or he may have fear that the disease may come back again. In every situation it is natural that his interest from the life is become less and also in romance. So my suggestion for you is for making him romantic give him some time and also change his place, station, go in to the nature with him.
I've been going through chemo and the steps that were taken to get where I am involved extensive, invasive steps. Having had a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, many transfusions, explorative laparoscopy and finally having my port installed; and of course the weekly blood drawing at the lab. I think I may have snapped one day and realized, I didn't want any one to touch me for a while. Another thing that may be silly, the smell of my boyfriend who smokes at any time of the day, turned me off also. I also told him that I had different ideas of how I wanted to live my life and that his home-body approach to spending his life had no use in my world or that of our 3 year old.
My realization and possible suggestion was to open communication, lay it all out, cut out the tears-no blame games get to his new ideas or what he is disliking and stay positive. Men are more difficult to get to open up, so although, I was the person ill and changing her mind I needed to give him a fair chance to push toward my idea of a better life for me. Good luck and peaceful resolutions to you both.
Receive the latest news and tips in your inbox