This thought actually bubbled up in my mind when I heard about former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards and his affair. The affair reportedly happened after his wife's cancer had gone into remission. Not sure what the mindset was here. I can only speculate that he was either scared, seeking control or had a need for escapism -- which seems to be typical in most affairs. Former House speaker Newt Gingrinch ended his first marriage after he allegedly discussed the details of the divorce with his wife while she was recovering from cancer surgery. (Source: CNN.com.) Not sure of the timing of these things, but it does seem harsh to have to face something like a terminal illness and the prospect of your spouse either cheating on you or leaving you.
And while many high-profile cases may bring the issues of terminal illness and divorce to light, BreastCancer.org says information suggesting the divorce rate is climbing (at least for those with breast cancer) is incorrect.
Similarly, they report just as many women leave husbands who are diagnosed with breast cancer as men who leave their wives.
"Breast cancer is not good for relationships, but good relationships can be made stronger by sharing hardship."
That may be easier said than done, but somehow I would like to think that if a spouse can survive the battle -- both illness and for the relationship -- he or she can come out the other side with a renewed perspective on life.
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This thought actually bubbled up in my mind when I heard about former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards and his affair. The affair reportedly happened after his wife's cancer had gone into remission. Not sure what the mindset was here. I can only speculate that he was either scared, seeking control or had a need for escapism -- which seems to be typical in most affairs. Former House speaker Newt Gingrinch ended his first marriage after he allegedly discussed the details of the divorce with his wife while she was recovering from cancer surgery. (Source: CNN.com.) Not sure of the timing of these things, but it does seem harsh to have to face something like a terminal illness and the prospect of your spouse either cheating on you or leaving you.
And while many high-profile cases may bring the issues of terminal illness and divorce to light, BreastCancer.org says information suggesting the divorce rate is climbing (at least for those with breast cancer) is incorrect.
Similarly, they report just as many women leave husbands who are diagnosed with breast cancer as men who leave their wives.
If interested in more about terminal illness and divorce, check out this article from EmpowHer.com -- Are Divorce Rates Higher Among Women With Breast Cancer?
And I really like this quote from the story ...
"Breast cancer is not good for relationships, but good relationships can be made stronger by sharing hardship."
That may be easier said than done, but somehow I would like to think that if a spouse can survive the battle -- both illness and for the relationship -- he or she can come out the other side with a renewed perspective on life.
August 17, 2008 - 9:30amThis Comment
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