Home → Day-to-Day Matters → Talking to Your Family and Friends About Breast Cancer → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Family, Friends, Relationships → February 2007: Partners, Loved Ones, Caregivers: Taking Care of You → Remain in new relationship after diagnosis?

Remain in new relationship after diagnosis?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008

Question from SamLA: My girlfriend was just diagnosed. We've only been together about 6 months and I'm not sure if I want to deal with this, or if I even fit into the picture anymore. What do I do?: Answer —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: It's a very difficult question. You have to examine how you felt about this relationship before her diagnosis. What it means to you now. Did you think that this has a future? That will help you make a decision. You may want to give some thought to whether your girlfriend is depending upon you for assistance during treatment. An open and honest discussion is probably the only way to come to some conclusion. If this can no longer be a romantic relationship, you may want to think about whether it's possible for you to remain a friend and be helpful during this very difficult time.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Partners, Loved Ones, Caregivers: Taking Care of You. Author Marc Silver and moderator Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about how you can take care of your loved one and yourself during and after breast cancer treatment.

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

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

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.