Doctor lied and told patient’s husband she couldn’t cook or clean for 6 weeks after breast cancer surgery — his reaction proved why
Spouses need to step up when their partners are recovering from surgery or other medical conditions. Unfortunately, gender roles remain deep-rooted even during such delicate times. Dr. Amani Jambhekar, a breast and melanoma surgical oncologist, shared a post on Threads under the handle @ajvictorymd on February 24, 2026, revealing one such dilemma. She told the patient’s husband that the woman couldn’t do any demanding housework for a few weeks since she had recently had surgery. While that advice was not completely true, his reply proved why she insisted on it.
A woman had recently undergone breast cancer surgery. While speaking to the patient's husband, Dr. Jambhekar told him that she couldn’t cook or clean for six weeks. “If she gets within six feet of a stove or vacuum, her surgical glue will fall off,” she explained. “I have to eat cereal that long?” he lamented. She told him he could easily prepare simple meals like salads or sandwiches and adjust. However, her friendly suggestion was followed by an absurd query — “And what is she going to eat?” the man asked. The medical professional pointed out that surgical glue doesn’t just fall off, as she claimed, but she tells partners that it does, just to give wives a chance to rest and recover.
While one would expect the man to be worried about juggling his responsibilities and hers while she recovered, his concerns left many shocked. He was bothered about what he would eat since his partner was unable to cook. Moreover, when the suggestion was made by the oncologist, his immediate assumption was that he should figure something out for himself.
His reaction also showed that he believed she would still be responsible for feeding herself despite recovering. The thought of looking after his wife and supporting her during the demanding recovery period never seemed to cross his mind. According to Dr. Jambhekar, her patients’ care comes first, and if that means she has to bend the truth about aftercare, she is happy to do so.
It is obvious that a person needs time to heal and rest after they have had any surgery. Unfortunately, many women are expected to get back on their feet and not only look after themselves but also manage the needs of the entire family. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that women often experience psychological and physical distress after breast cancer surgery. In cases of a mastectomy, it takes time for a patient to adapt to the changes in her body, which is why recovery is crucial.
Moreover, the time required to heal from such a surgery depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the amount of pain, and other complications. Physical and emotional recovery cannot be hurried, and during such moments, support from spouses and family members, along with rest, can make a positive difference. Many women in the comments shared similar experiences.
@victoriagmorton said, “When I found out I had breast cancer, my husband said, ‘You’re so lucky it’s only cancer. I have diabetes, and that’s for life.’” @roxannablackhall added, “My doctor kept me in the hospital for days after my hysterectomy because he knew my then-husband wouldn’t listen to the discharge instructions.” @lnmohr74 advised, "Mothers teach your sons how to cook, not just your daughters."
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