The couples
The individuals could have different opinions about how
much information the partner needed. The partner’s need for
information could be more extensive than the patient’s.
Couples could also agree on a low level of involvement from
the partner, where both agreed on keeping the illness a personal
matter for the patient.
Sorrow and bitterness were present both among patients
and partners because of the spouse’s reluctance to communicate
and share feelings during the cancer journey. Other
couples could feel gifted by a good relationship where they
shared the same opinion and expectations or strong religious
beliefs that supported them during difficult times in life.