If you spouse developed an incurable disease, would you consider leaving him or

1. 96

   sallybeaposted 11 years ago

   If you spouse developed an incurable disease, would you consider leaving him or her?

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2. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

   I believe the knee jerk reaction is to say "no" and stand on the soapbox spouting "until death do us part". However I've learned over the years oftentimes there is a big difference between "life" and the "hypothetical".
   There are a lot of factors when it comes to long-term diseases. Does one have the resources to care for their spouse at home, are they placed in a nursing home, what is their life span prognosis, or (were you already considering leaving prior to getting the bad news). It would depend on underlying circumstances.
   If I had already decided to leave (prior) to learning of the disease I wouldn't stay out of "guilt" because of the disease.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting, it seems that perhaps for some people they have underlying problems in the relationship and the illness just becomes their excuse to move on.

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      dashingscorpioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I've actually seen it the other way around where a person was planning to end a relationship and an illness or some other catastrophe caused them to (stay)  out of "sympathy" or not wanting to look bad. Some of these people end up having affairs.

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   No. What kind of person would I be to do such a thing? This is when the person you are supposed to love more than anyone will really need you. They are not only seeing their mortality, but to leave them heart broken and passing away is just not unthinkable.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately it seems that some people do.  Perhaps some things like illness are not easy for some people to accept!

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So sad Sally.

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4. 61

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   No, I would not consider leaving him. I am here til death as they say.  I love him dearly and if he faces an illness, as sad as that is, he would need me and I would never walk away.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Lovely to hear that there are people such as yourself with a high value placed on loyalty and love.  Thank you for your response.

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5. 76

   JimTxMillerposted 11 years ago

   Seems I recall something in the vows about remaining faithful "in sickness and in health"? No, I would not. Nor could I respect anyone who would.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That is very reassuring JimYxMiller  - it is said sometimes that men find illness more difficult to cope with.  especially  when extra  housework and caring for the children and  the sick wife can get hard to cope with.  Perhaps that is just here-say

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6. 59

   day4allposted 11 years ago

   Hi Sallybea,
   Without hesitation I say no. I've seen several family members, friends, acquaintances, etc. in my circle who stuck to their "in sickness..." marital vows. I had and have wonderful expressions of these vows in living color. I have also witnessed the results of marriages where this did not happen. Of the two choices, for me, I will stay. No one says it's easy, and I comfort those that make such a difficult decision not to stay. I can't judge them. Not everyone can handle sickness in the end like they think they can in the beginning.
   
   I would say that having the whole family involved in such an overwhelming life event contributes greatly to the caretaker spouse's decision to leave or to stay. We're talking about emotions, finances, day-to-day routine changes, etc.
   
   The great news is that there are many church, community, and government resources available to couples who face this situation. Putting pride in the bottom of your shoe in order to save your marriage together is a critical first step, and goes a long way.
   
   Thanks Sally.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hello day4all,
      So kind of you to take so much care with your response.    I would never judge anyone for their decision and I do sympathy with anyone finding themselves in this position. So lovely to know people truly care.  Thanks.

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7. 49

   Hamda Aslam Khanposted 11 years ago

   No, i would never do that. I believe that one should live life to the fullest, be it for two days or for a 100 years. Making it possible for him to live life to the fullest means i should definitely stay with him and create memories for him to recall and smile at. The same way, i need to do this for my own self, so that i don't have any regrets in future. Any doctor would admit that family support and love is essential for a patient and just might prove to be helpful. So yes, i would surely try my level best to do all i can for him. Atleast this way i would be able to say that i am not a bad human being after all, and i stayed with my husband till his last breath.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Hamda Aslam Khan,  A lovely and caring response to this difficult question.  I love the idea of creating memories for people, a sense of humor helps to keep things on an even keel.
      Thank you so much for your comment.

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8. 56

   kyawnaingposted 11 years ago

   For me , NO ,  I won't . I never think   to leave someone if someone being sick very seriously.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your comment kyawnaing, it really is nice to know that there are people who care about others

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9. 78

   jlparkposted 11 years ago

   No, I would not even entertain the idea of leaving her.
   In sickness and in health, till death do us part.  Even in a civil union, I hold myself to those ideals.
   She is my soulmate, the person who completes me - to walk away would be ....criminal.

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      sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your comment jlpark - It is great to see that there are so many men willing to stick by their wives in sickness or in health and also in a civil union which in my mind is exactly the same -  commitment. for life.

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      jlparkposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Am female, but I agree it is great to see that either gender it seems - loyalty is key.

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10. 61

    Brandon Tartposted 11 years ago

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    1. 61

       Brandon Tartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       hmmm.

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    2. 96

       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       My views perhaps don't matter so much in this but it is likely your friends might judge your wife for leaving you - even if it were with your blessing! That would be very sad indeed. Most people would wish to stay if it meant losing their friends too

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11. 66

    sarahmooseposted 11 years ago

    Not at all. Like Jim says, the vows state in sickness and in health. I watched my mum help to look after my dad for a year before he passed away when I was 12, and I hope that I would have the strength to do the same for my husband if that ever happened.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hello sarahmoose, It is wonderful to see such devotion and a great example for us to follow - though I hope that you never have to - thank you for taking the time to answer this question.

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12. 60

    thecatgalleryposted 11 years ago

    After my husband developed Alzheimer's, it was just a natural instinct to evolve with the relationship and care needs, as the disease evolved. But it was very sad. They say it's hard on the care giver, and it's true, if you let yourself dwell on the implications of what is happening. So I had other things I could turn to that brought me pleasure and the balance was a big help. There was no way I'd walk away from someone so amazing and special and important to me. Someone who had given himself to me and supported me in my endeavors and allowed me to realize my abilities and dreams and achieve so much because of being with him. Love changes, but like the disease, it's just evolving.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for sharing your story.  I have worked with people with dementia and have a little experience of Alzheimer's .  I have some understanding of your situation.  How wonderful for your husband to have such a supportive and loving wife.

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    FanOfStuffposted 11 years ago

    Not even for a second. My first husband died suddenly, without cause. I would give anything to get the chance to have said goodbye.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       FanOfStuff My deepest sympathies for your loss and thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.  Sally

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    adorablebabyposted 11 years ago

    overall it's your choice, society would look at you and say "no you should stay with him until the end" if your married  then yes stay, if your not and it's just a bf/gf up to you on how you feel upon it. But community would look at you like a terrible person who abandon someone just because he is sick. I would not hold it agaisn't you. You also have one life as well if your not to attached or connect it's time to move on. Or you can still move on and lie  to him lol.

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    1. 96

       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you sentiments about one life,  How we choose to live it is definitely up to each individual.  Society does judge us and that is something we all have to live with too.  Thanks for your comment.

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    ShaydeShafferposted 11 years ago

    Speaking from someone who has witnessed a similar situation, the choice to leave has to have more to it then just the disease. If you're leaving solely because they have been diagnosed with the disease, then I believe that is wrong. I understand how hard it is for you to have to watch someone you love die, but being the one with the terminal disease and dying alone? That is a whole different level and I could never imagine doing that to someone. Now, if there are other factors influencing the choice to leave, and the terminal disease is the last straw, then yes. I can see this happening. However, I would not stay in a marriage to someone out of guilt if I had made the choice to leave prior to the news being given.
    
    And, I have seen the reverse happen - the marriage was falling apart, and the woman was given news that she had cancer, and with that, has made the decision to divorce her husband because she does not want the last moments of her life to be as miserable as the rest of her life was with him.
    
    Honestly, the answer to this question is hard given that there really isn't enough background information to go by. However, I hope this helped somewhat.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       A very well thought out and well considered answer.  I applaud you lady, what a brave lady!  We only have one life and with a only a short one left, we should make the most of it in that situation.   I appreciate that! Definitely a thumbs up for me.

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16. 66

    Sojourner1234posted 11 years ago

    No. Obviously there are vows made, "in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live...'till death do us part" (basically). There should always be vows made as part of this union, and people should respect these vows.
    Part of the problem with our culture now is that people see marriage as nothing more than a contract. And some see it as a flawed contract that doe not mean anything. If one views this as something much more, as a covenant between two people under God, then they will get and give much more in the relationship. Though one must remember that the 'getting' is not the focus... if someone is looking to just 'get' in their relationship they have not yet come to understand what marriage is or how important it truly is either.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I completely agree with you Sojourner1234, seems like it is just too easy to chuck in the towel when you develop problems.  Sad as sometimes  you don't know what you have lost until it is gone!  Thanks for stopping by.

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    Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years ago

    First I have to say Thank You to all my fellow Hubbers; I’m proud of you. What a breath of fresh air to see that there still is love and compassion left in the world. Quite frankly, after reading this question I intended not to read any responses as I didn’t want it influencing my attitude, because I am a DEFINITE NO! When we love someone we cannot control it. Love is unconditional, regardless of condition.  Though I give credit to those who do stay and support a loved one that is going through such a stressful situation, I don’t think simply, not leaving is enough.  I think a truly dedicated spouse strives to thrive in the relationship despite the illness. The sick and the otherwise healthy party both need to feel love and so long as they are both giving and receiving the relationship can still be fulfilling.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I second the thanks Cantuhearmescream.  I am so grateful to you and to all the people who have thus far responded.   I just realized that you have all helped to restore my faith in humanity.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       It was a great question and even Better answers! Today is a good day.

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       Sojourner1234posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Though I respect what you said, I still would say that love is a choice. We can be 'in love' and fall 'in love', but feelings are not all there is to love.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I also respect what you said and I can agree to a certain extent. But I don't know that we can control our love; we control what we do with it. Say we love someone that is unhealthy for us, we either choose to stay or we choose to leave.

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       Sojourner1234posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Though I can see your point we can begin down a path with a decision. Though we may not feel love for someone when we decide to love them, & then add action to that love, often times that will trigger feelings. Also, love is more than a feeling.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You're right that love is more than a feeling. If any relationship is going to thrive there has to be more than just feeling love. It absolutely has to be shown. Love is not just a feeling but an ACTION as well.

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       Sojourner1234posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great thought! I totally agree.

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    SunkistGirlposted 11 years ago

    Interesting question since there is no other information or preface given. When I met my second husband, he told me that he was very sick and a "high risk" person. I didn't fully understand that comment but later learned a great deal about the reason he made such a statement. My hubby has Lyme's Disease (aka Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). This disease targets the blood and all organs that interact with the blood. Fortunately, the disease has not hit the bone marrow, as far as we know. At the time we married, we didn't know the disease was able to be transferred. We have been married for 5 1/2 yrs and just recently we learned the disease is considered an STD. Therefore I have Lyme and our 5 yr old son has Lyme. Knowing this now and not at the time I married my hubby, would I still have married him? Yes, I think so. We are soul mates. Being without him would be more devastating than being with him and sick too. Have I thought about leaving because of the disease and infecting my innocent child? No. We are looking into treatments and resources to help keep the disease in check and prolonging our son's life. Without proper treatment, our 5-yr old could be cut short on life. That is sad and heart breaking, yet my faith in God sustains me and helps guide me in making treatment decisions for my son. Lyme Disease is not curable and can become a very debilitating disease. Love is stronger and I won't be leaving my hubby because of his illness.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I had understood that Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans by infected ticks. I became interested in it when I was bitten by a non infected tick.recently.   I am sad for your situation but reassured by your love and faith.

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19. 68

    tenderLaineposted 11 years ago

    No, I absolutely wouldn't. But I developed a rare incurable disease and left my spouse when, failing to become understanding and supportive, he turned to  abuse. Instead of seeing the error of his ways, he divorced me and left me with nothing. NOTHING. I was at my lowest needing love and care, yet had to summon strength to stand up for myself.. and take care of myself. It's been a difficult road that no one should ever have to face alone. Yet somehow, I have. Somehow, I do.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I offer you a cyber-hug. Obviously you are a very strong, couragous woman for what you have been through. I hope you find a way to see the sun in every day.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       May this new phase of your life be filled with great supportive friends and lots of love and kindness, you deserve it!    My best wishes to you tenderLaine

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    robinredbreast1posted 11 years ago

    Never, i had a major disease 7 years ago and my husband stood by me, he used to get up 2 or 3 times a night to change dressings,and kept a kardex for the nurses comming in the next day, he has cleaned up sick,i had a colostomy  which used to leak over the bed, he would put me in the shower,and then clean up the mess. to me he is one in a million. he now has developed anginia, i tell him to take things easy, and as for d.i.y. and show houses, to hell with them. if my house is clean and always has the love that is in it just now,then that is my dream house. he couldnever walk again and i would stand by him, and i wouldnt look at another man. no one could ever take my husbands place.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Wonderful, a man in a million!  You are truly blessed to have each other.
       Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this question. 
       Best wishes, Voted up, Sally

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    janetwritesposted 11 years ago

    How could I consider leaving the person I love and share my whole life with? I could never do that. When I married my husband I promised him to stay with him the whole until death, both in good and bad times. I would stay with him even if he developed the worst disease ever.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       janetwrites, It really is great to realize that good old fashioned values still reign - thank you so much for your response, it is much appreciated!

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    larakernposted 11 years ago

    My dad didn't have an incurable disease but he did suffer from serious injuries that inhibited his way of life and my mom stayed by his side. In the end, she was bathing him, brushing his teeth, giving him his medications, administering IVs, checking his vitals at regular intervals, dressing him, and doing pretty much everything. Don't get me wrong, the whole family was helping but it was hard. I believe that it is all depending on the relationship. If the couple is strong and really, truly loves one another the healthy one will want to take care of their loved one no matter how much stress or damage it may do to them. Honestly, if my husband had the same injuries my dad had or even an incurable disease I would stay. I know that our lives would never be the same but he is the same person I fell in love with and nothing will change that.
    I hope my answer helps!

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       It definitely does help larakern.  I believe your Mum was a great example for all of us to follow.  Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by.

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    Silverspeederposted 11 years ago

    I shall answer your question with another seen as many have said unequivocally that they wouldn't.
    If you found that your partner had AIDS and you knew that you were faithful and the other hasn't had any surgical treatments that could have resulted in their infection would you leave or would you stay?
    How much compassion would you have if you found that your husband of 20 yrs for instance had been sleeping with different men every week all your married life?
    
    I think as with many things it depends on circumstances and how they affect you personally.

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       AIDS or not; if my husband had been sleeping with different people very week of our marriage, I wouldn't have any compassion. Why would you after the betrayal, deceit and lack of respect of the marriage and spouse?

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Silverspeeder, a very interesting perspective.  Having spent most of my life in Africa where Aid is rife, I understand completely and I completely agree with you about AIDS and infidelity.  Without hesitation I would leave him.  Thank you so much.

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    connorjposted 11 years ago

    
    
    Yes I would consider leaving her if it would indeed have a positive affect on her outcome. Please don't misunderstand me. There is indeed a highly unlikely scenario where a loved one could affect his loved one's outcome by "exiting stage right" before she passes on. Perhaps if you were an atheist or agnostic and you realized your views were changing your loved one's beliefs yet you were not 100% sure that you were indeed correct in your beliefs (in other words you had a seed of doubt) then perhaps for your loved one's sake you would leave before it became worse or castrophic.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I would say if in doubt, it would be best to talk things over.   So often we assume we know best.  We will never know if we are right, unless we talk about it.  Such a major decision I believe needs honesty from both sides.  Thanks for your response.

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    SAM ELDERposted 11 years ago

    Many centuries ago people looked like Siamese twins, with four arms, four legs and two heads that looked in opposite directions. Zeus decided to cut people in half and gave them the form that we all have today. But the problem was that people had only one soul.  Starting from that day every soul is looking for its half part.....
    So if it was me, I would never leave my half part....

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       Cantuhearmescreamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Awwww ;-)

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Nice one SAM ELDER, you are a lucky man, you must have met your soul mate,  Thanks for commenting and for stopping by.

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26. 0

    lisasuniquevoiceposted 11 years ago

    
    
    sallybea,
    No I would not leave my husband if he developed an incurable disease. That would be worse for both of us than the disease itself. I don't know anyone who could do that.
    Lisa

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi lisauniquevoice, I can't imagine it myself.  I guess I have come to realize that life is never as simple as it seems.  We are all unique and have our own different lives to lead..  Thank you for your comment, I appreciate your stopping by

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    keraladishesposted 11 years ago

    No, you should stand with her or him if your love is sincere. you know the persons real love when he or she stands besides you when you need them the most. Its easy for every one to be with you when you are happy and the real person stands close to you when you actually need them. so i feel that you should her all the happiness you can give and never make her feel she is sick.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Keraladishes, It seems that nearly everyone feels this way but that difficult circumstances can make it impossible for them to stay. They need our understanding and sympathy. Thanks for you comment.

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    Elderberry Artsposted 11 years ago

    No. I have several incurable health problems and so do my sons. We won't die and they aren't infectious but they can still be hard work. I would be understanding of someone else's problems. Sadly,I have met people who have shown interest in me and then cut contact when they find out though I can understand that they may feel it is too much to take on or may restrict their lifestyle and goals.

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       sallybeaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hello Elderberry, I am sorry to hear that you and your boys have health issues.  Take comfort in the fact that life is full of surprises, often some great ones.   Mr Right will probably turn up when you are least expecting it.!!  Blessings.

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    DexisViewposted 10 years ago

    Never.  Life is not something that we have a lot of control over.  Stuff happens.  If anyone I loved developed an incurable disease, I would chose to stay by their side right up until the end so that they were as comfortable as possible and more importantly so that their last moments were filled with love.
    It is diffiuclt to be the caretaker and watch a love one suffer.  It is scary to think of a life without the one you love.  Either way, it is worth knowing that you gave your all to the one you love.

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       sallybeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Knowing that you did everything you could is certainly worth holding onto.  As we see from other comments, sometimes there are reasons not to, perhaps there simply is not one answer for all.  Thanks for your comment DexisView

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    Juliet Christieposted 10 years ago

    It depends on the types of incurable disease. How he came by it and if it is contagious like a sexually transmitted disease and if he got it from promiscuity.

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       sallybeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Juliet Christie - I think you have made a very valid point here and I agree with you completely, a sexually transmitted disease received from someone outside of the relationship would pose  a problem for most people. Thanks for your comment.

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