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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I being unreasonable to expect husband to cancel his holiday?

363 replies

Bruce123 · 24/10/2020 18:06

Hi
I have had a melanoma in situ removed from my leg and need further surgery to ensure the margins are big enough and a skin graft to cover the hole. Date of surgery clashes with husbands’ walking trip away with his mate. He postponed once due to Covid and had to rearrange from Wales to Cotswolds because of lockdown restrictions. I can’t postpone surgery because surgeon is coming off his holidays to clear his backlog. I am not supposed to walk and keep the leg elevated for the first few days after surgery. Am reliant on 15 year old (anorexic) daughter who is stropping/ refusing to offer get up before midday to feed cats/ make me breakfast.

Am I being unreasonable in asking my husband to consider postponing his holiday? He is saying he won’t do so. Am feeling very hurt as this whole marriage ceremony, I am sure, mentioned something about in sickness and in health...

OP posts:
Friendsoftheearth · 25/10/2020 07:45

I am so sorry you are going through this. At times of great illness and stress people sometimes show can you who they are when you are least equipped to deal with it. It is one those awful ironies, at the greatest need that some people will choose that moment not to step up.

I don't know how you will ever get past it - I couldn't. For now we won't need to worry about the future or the divorce. The focus needs to be firmly on how you get through this, nothing else matters.

Can dd go and stay with friends for a few days? Please ring round and make arrangements for her. You do not need to be worried about her care as well at this time. Be honest and tell them the situation with your help and could they help for the odd night. Most people would gladly help. If this is not possible, how about family members? Failing all else you can pay for a babysitter to stay with her (and you)

When I heard surgery I hired some nurses this is possible to do through agencies if you call them. If you feel you can manage at home without one, then even a cleaning company can come over and help tidy the house, make you sandwich and do the household jobs.

You may need to throw some money at this, but I think you have to plan to not have your dh there.

Make plans for every part of your recovery - and tell him to go. There is no point waiting or expecting him to help, he has told you precisely where he stands - as painful as it is - you would be better to accept it, make arrangements, and when this is all over, I would ask him to leave for good. He did not have your back when you needed him most, he is no longer worthy of you or your life.To prioritise a walking holiday over you at this moment, with cancer is unforgivable.

Look after yourself op Flowers

GreenClock · 25/10/2020 07:45

In years to come, you will look back on this period as s time when two nasty cancers were removed from your life, OP.

Meanwhile, I wish you all the best. Sort out some practicalities today and tomorrow (post-op care, solicitor). You will find that your daughter will actually step up, I suspect. Lean on friends too, they’ll expect and want to help.

Friendsoftheearth · 25/10/2020 07:47

I am just out of hospital too, sorry for typos. General gist is take control of your own care, get dd lined up with friends and family and get as much support from everyone around you. Be honest with others and tell them what has happened.

notacooldad · 25/10/2020 07:47

Am I being unreasonable?
No.

Dashel · 25/10/2020 07:48

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/cancer-patients-often-face-relationship-problems-9692572.html

If you google cancer and divorce unfortunately it seems quite common in marriages that weren’t struggling before hand. In 90% of cases it’s where the female has cancer.

VettiyaIruken · 25/10/2020 07:50

He's an absolute shit.

Make sure you tell everyone that he's divorcing you because you needed surgery due to cancer and you asked him to please postpone his holiday because you would be unable to walk and would need his help.

In fact, bloody tell the year thats exactly what you'll be telling people!

I'm so mad on your behalf I want to find him and shake him till his teeth fall out!

VettiyaIruken · 25/10/2020 07:51

Year = Twat

Beautiful3 · 25/10/2020 07:52

You are not being unreasonable at all. He should automatically place you first and cancel his walking trip. I'm shocked that he hasn't done so. Also your daughter has to step up and help out, you need to talk to her about how she has to help you.

AnotherEmma · 25/10/2020 07:53

What a nasty, selfish arsehole. I can't believe he threatened divorce over this Angry Let him divorce you though, I think you'll be better off without him.

I'd be very disappointed in DD too as she is being selfish, although it's his responsibility and not hers to support you, his attitude has obviously rubbed off on her. I think you need to show your children that it's not ok for partners and family members to treat each other this way. They probably take you for granted and expect you to look after everyone else but no one looks after you Sad Flowers

Do you have a sister or close friend who could help you after the operation? Could you go and stay with them?!

Parky04 · 25/10/2020 07:53

YANBU. I would have cancelled without being asked! He obviously doesn't care about you. How could anyone go on holiday when your DH/DW is going into hospital for an operation!!

diddl · 25/10/2020 07:56

@Bruce123

It’s not a threat. He’s serious about the divorce.
Sounds like the best option, although doesn't help the situation.

Would you be entitled to carers coming to the house?

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 25/10/2020 07:56

I am so sorry you are sick, have a sick daughter and a horrid husband to deal with. Life can be very touch at times. I have also had an anorexic 15 year old daughter (4 years on, she is in well established recovery) but the thought of having to have dealt with my own serious ill health and a shit husband at the time as caring for her makes me shudder. You are a strong, brave woman.

As others have said, he should cancel. And should have wanted to. But in truth if he won’t be gracious you are best without him there. Would it be possible for you and your DD to stay in a hotel for a few days post op? Room service, movies....Or stay with family or a friend? Or they with your? Alternatively, is it an occasion that your daughter might be able to rise to and help you? (I do know the realities of this and that she just might not he able to).

Maybe use the time he is away to prepare - mentally at least - for divorcing him. Best of luck with everything.

Penners99 · 25/10/2020 07:58

Your husband is a total knob.

And that opinion is from a male perspective!

KarmaNoMore · 25/10/2020 08:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 25/10/2020 08:00

And I would tell his friend. Unless he is an absolute shit too (which is possible I know) then he will likely be horrified at your DH. In fact I’d tell everyone you can. In a matter of fact way “oh you know what he’s like....” And get the divorce petition drafted whilst he’s away. Unreasonable behaviour.....

PegasusReturns · 25/10/2020 08:04

At least you now know what you’re dealing with: a selfish petulant child.

I think if you plan well you’ll be fine. Certainly much better than if you have a sulking DH around.

Set up a little area near your sofa with bottles of water, snacks the TV remote and a blanket. Fill the fridge with ready meals and anything else you might need.

Your eldest daughter is going to settle you in when she takes you back from the hospital and you’ll be able to manage for a day or two even if your DD is zero help.

As for your DH my bet is he’ll come back and when you treat the divorce seriously will accuse you of overreacting. Don’t allow him to.

Aneley · 25/10/2020 08:07

I am so very sorry you are going through this and that your H and D are not supportive... I am also sorry your H is such a heartless, cruel human being.

Can't offer much wisdom as I can be quite hotheaded in such situations (one ex was similar). My go to would be to look at him, smile coldly and say: "Excellent. Exactly what I was hoping to hear. I presume you won't need any help packing - suitcases are in the attic, Please make sure to leave before X day - I need some quiet time to prepare for my surgery".

This attitude however, means that I had to go the difficult way through a lot of situations and that's not always smart. However, given the circumstances I honestly can't imagine myself wanting to stay with someone who so obviously has zero compassion or consideration for well-being of the person they chose to spend life with.

Bruce123 · 25/10/2020 08:08

Yes, there have been occasions when I supported him. And he said “And I asked you not to bother rearranging your meetings to pick me up after the surgery- it was only minor”

OP posts:
Friendsoftheearth · 25/10/2020 08:13

Your operation is not minor. He sounds like a ruthless cold hearted bordering on psychopathic human being. What kind of person does this?!
I am horrified for you.

Do you have friends, family, neighbours, school parents - anyone that can help bruce?

KarmaNoMore · 25/10/2020 08:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 25/10/2020 08:16

If you’re in Tier 3, it supposed to be travel for work and try and avoid non essential journeys.

KarmaNoMore · 25/10/2020 08:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sexnotgender · 25/10/2020 08:23

@Bruce123

Yes, there have been occasions when I supported him. And he said “And I asked you not to bother rearranging your meetings to pick me up after the surgery- it was only minor”
And you reply - and yet I still did, because I am not a selfish self centred arse.
RoseGold7 · 25/10/2020 08:33

YANB both you and your daughter needs support. Anorexia is an ugly, fatal disease.

FallonCarringtonWannabe · 25/10/2020 08:36

What a horribly selfish man. Op, stay strong