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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be angry at ex hiding cancer diagnosis?

233 replies

PlainJaneBrain · 07/09/2025 16:06

After 25+ years together we’ve been separated for 2 and half years now but remained very close and dependent on each other not least as co-parents, but aside from living in different house and flat from each other, we probably usually spend more time in each others’ company than we did when we were together.

We saw less of each other over summer than we normally do and I thought that was just down to our holidays and the kids not aligning particularly well. But I found out on Friday that he was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer at the end of July and has had several rounds of radiotherapy. He didn’t tell anyone except someone he works with so he could take time off (he’s actually self employed and told this other person so they could cover his work when needed). But he didn’t tell me, his own Mum, siblings or anyone else. I found out almost by accident (snooping in his post while at his flat). I ended up confronting him and he was just so bloody casual about it it’s really upset me and made me angry.

I wouldn’t mind but when we were together he was the world’s worst hypochondriac and now he’s like “it’s no one’s business and who cares anyway”. He’s lost quite a bit of weight and obviously lied to me about that saying he was dieting.

I know he doesn’t believe it but he still means the world to me and I’m gutted he doesn’t want me to go through this with him.

AIBU to think 1. He should have told me, and 2. He should keep me updated? We have two early teen kids.

OP posts:
JudgeJ · 07/09/2025 16:11

None of your business, I'm glad that your snooping in his post has upset you, you deserve to be upset! Had you still been together then maybe he would have had to tell you, whether he's told family closer than you is not your business either.

Coffeeishot · 07/09/2025 16:10

He has a serious illness and you are worried about how you feel? I don't know the reason why you are Exes but his health has nothing to do with you, maybe he kept it a secret so he didn't have to deal with your "feelings".

Vaxtable · 07/09/2025 16:10

I would suggest it’s his way of dealing with it. Perhaps he doesn’t want sympathy and poor you, he just wants to crack on with treatment and not discuss it

As to snooping that’s shocking. How would you feel if he came round to yours and started snooping

leave him alone

outerspacepotato · 07/09/2025 16:10

His medical issues are for him to keep private or share as he chooses. This is basic.

You have no rights here. You found out by sneaking through his stuff. You are way too enmeshed here, your snooping is toxic behaviour.

wordywitch · 07/09/2025 16:09

YABVU. You’re divorced, you snooped through his post, and you are angry at HIM for not including you in how he chooses to manage his cancer diagnosis and treatment?! You are a walking red flag and sound very controlling.

Luxio · 07/09/2025 16:08

I'm sorry but I can't help but feel you've massively glossed over how unreasonable you've been. You're snooping through your ex's post? Don't you think that's a huge violation of his privacy?

Sirzy · 07/09/2025 16:08

He was dealing with it his way and your snooping took that away from him. It’s his illness not yours.

PamIsAVolleyballChamp · 07/09/2025 16:08

Sorry, someone's dealing with cancer and your First thought is to centre yourself?!
And by snooping through his mail?!

You are awful, no mention of your poor dc and impact on them!!

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