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Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: Day To Day Living

Spouses And Partners Need Your Input

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Each couple's relationship is affected in unique ways by the stress of a colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment and side effects.

With cancer in general, future plans are suddenly, unexpectedly, called into question.

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of colorectal cancer treatment. Fatigue is difficult for couples to deal with. Fatigue often leads to role reversal. The healthy partner takes over activities and responsibilities you can't do for a while, or perhaps permanently.

The key for successfully getting through the situation is to talk - and keep talking. Cooperative problem solving and mutual support are key.

While undergoing treatment, ways of doing things need to be changed temporarily and perhaps permanently.

Intimacy and sexuality are both generally affected. Sex is not the only means of intimacy. Communicating with your significant other is required to make sure you don’t lose these important parts of your life. For information, see Sex and Intimacy.

Most people experience a change in their body image, even if there is no outward physical change. There are tips for coping with a changed body image, as well as living with an ostomy. See “To Learn More.”

It is not unusual for a relationship to have ups and downs even without treatment going on. With treatment, the changes can be intensified.  The stress of going through treatment can test a strong relationship and ultimately make it stronger. At the other extreme, it can also be the back breaking straw for a rocky relationship. Keep in mind that you may both have very different ways of coping with crisis. Use the coping skills that have gotten the two of you through in the past.

Consider whether to join a support group or self help group for couples in which one person has colorectal cancer. Sharing with others may provide valuable insight for both of you.

If it's needed, professional help is available.

See the documents in “To Learn More” for more information.


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