Home → Day-to-Day Matters → Talking to Your Family and Friends About Breast Cancer → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Family, Friends, Relationships → September 2004: Family and Loved Ones → Common for husband's health to deteriorate?

Common for husband's health to deteriorate?

Page last modified on: September 24, 2008

Question from Website Question: Since I was diagnosed in July 2002, my husband's health has deteriorated due to stress. I'm getting stronger and healthier each day, and he seems to be falling apart at the seams. Is this common, and what can I do to help him?: Answers —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: I think he needs to be encouraged to seek medical help for all of his difficulties, and he may also need some sort of counseling and/or support.; Marc Silver, author: Sometimes a change of scene can be helpful. Try a weekend trip or vacation that gives you some relief from the constant reminders of cancer. And if your husband has hobbies that he's stopped doing, encourage him to take them up again. He needs to focus some attention on himself.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Family and Loved Ones. Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W., author Marc Silver, and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the issues surrounding family members and caregivers living with and caring for women affected by breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

Marc Silver is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.