I’VE GOT CANCER AND BOYFRIEND HAS RUN AWAY

Dear Coleen

I was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and since then a man I’d been dating for a year has stopped calling.

He says the coronavirus has made him re-evaluate his life, but I think it’s just an excuse and that the truth is he couldn’t handle my illness.

I feel so unloved and don’t feel like I’ll ever meet someone now I’m in this situation.

Can you offer me any advice?

Coleen says

What a tough situation – it must have felt like a very cruel blow following your diagnosis.

As you may or may not know, my family has been hit by cancer several times, so I’ve seen how hard it can be for those battling the disease and those around them.

I think you have to concentrate on yourself and getting through the treatment. You are not unloved because this relationship is over – your friends and family love you and you should reach out to them for strength and support.

As for your ex, yes, he’s run a mile at the first hiccup and maybe the truth is he can’t handle it. But I honestly believe that it’s better to know that now rather than weeks or months down the line when you’re in treatment and looking to him for support.

And, when you get through this, you will probably have a different outlook on life and realise you want something different for yourself. Of course it’s possible to still find love, but focus on your health and wellbeing first.

You can call Marie Curie free on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie. org.uk/support for information and support. Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment.