Sometimes those who seem like natural choices, such as very close friends or family members, may be too involved in the situation, and too influenced by their own feelings to be able to listen to those of the patient. A mature, well adjusted person who is close to the patient, but is capable of remaining fairly objective, may be a better choice. The patient's husband or partner will probably be affected by the diagnosis just as strongly. In some ways a partner's role will be particularly difficult because it will involve managing the new emotions, as well as shouldering the task of acting as the key supporter. Perhaps the most important ting a woman can do right away is to involve her husband or partner as soon as possible, so the two can share their feelings and fears, and establish lines of communication for the weeks and months to come.
Most couples find ways to face and overcome the stress cancer places on their relationship.
They find strength in each other, and they work together to establish a new and comfortable routine. Sharing feelings is usually the first step toward finding effective solutions. Facing cancer can strengthen everything that is good in the relationship. Sometimes, it shows that problems that seemed important at one time, really are minor. However, cancer can strain a relationship already stressed by other serious problems.