Partners

Talking about your feelings with your partner can help you support each other through the sadness, anxiety and uncertainty. Your relationship may even grow stronger if you both can face the challenge of your illness with an open heart.

There may be times when both you and your partner may feel anger. It may help to take short breaks from each other so you can think more calmly and "recharge your emotional batteries." Sometimes talking to someone else-perhaps a friend or relative, or someone completely outside your situation, like a counselor-can help. If this idea has appeal, consider discussing it with your partner first, so that he or she doesn't feel like they are shut out or like a failure.