Not at all! Your experience is valid. Cancer is trauma, surgery is trauma, recovery challenges are real, regardless of treatment type. A good therapist understands that. Comparison is the thief of joy (and healing!). Your feelings matter.
Sarah, please be kind to yourself. Stage 2 might not involve chemo, but the surgery is HUGE, and recovery takes real time. Have you considered talking to a therapist or oncology social worker? Processing these feelings of guilt and adjusting to the ‘new normal’ post-cancer is exactly what they help with. I found it invaluable.
It’s so hard when you see someone you love struggling. Maybe finding articles or posts (like some here) where other male survivors talk about similar feelings could help him feel less isolated? Sometimes seeing other guys admit it’s tough makes it okay to admit it yourself.