caregivers chat room

13

Comments

  • slickwilly
    slickwilly Member Posts: 334 Member
    Barbara53 said:

    it will be okay
    I've been caring for my mother for a year. She was diagnosed with rather advanced OVCA, underwent surgery and chemo at age 78. When you need answers to specific questions, don't hesitate to leave them with the fine women (and men) in the ovarian forum.

    Your mother will probably be around for some time to come, but the next few months will be rough. And, although it is good and right for your mother to think in terms of a long remission, you are right in that this cancer is very seldom cured. The good news is that ovarian cancer is s very slow. If the surgeon is able to achieve "optimum debulking" -- removing all visible cancer -- then she has a promising prognosis indeed. That's why with this particular cancer, it's important that the surgery be done by a specialist in ovarian/peritoneal.

    There is much to learn, and everyone is different. No matter what, you will be okay. Nothing can take away your mother. You can never lose her, even if she's no longer here on earth.

    Hi Amanda
    I had Difuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. But it was not in my lymph system. What started out as a bump below my eye and next to my nose turned into a mass with tenticles that ran through the right side of my face. I have had 4 operations, Chop+rituxin chemo and 25 radiation treatments to my face. And I have been in remission for 7 years now. Now I will tell you how much things can change during treatments and tests.
    It took about 5 months to diagnosis my cancer. I had the mass removed and 7 biopsies before the cancer could be identified. The initial thoughts were that I had a 0% chance of living. They would remove body parts until there were no more parts to remove. Three days before a scheduled 12 hour operation to remove half of my face, the 10 day petri dish study came back. I had lymphoma and I went to a 50% chance of survival. The operation was cancelled. I have never forgot what it felt like when I thought I had no chance of living. No chance of seeing my three daughters grow up. I have many side effects from the treatments but I try to make the best out of each day that I have been given.
    There is no way you can understand what your mother is going through right now. I can gaurantee you that there are a million thoughts going through her mind at one time. And most parents are pretty protective of their children so it might be hard to get information out of her. My daughters were all supportive but I had one that really stepped up to the plate. She insisted on being at my first chemo treatment. She sat down and read all my chemo books. She knew what I should and should not be eating. She helped keep track of my medications. When I was in pain she did the dishes, laundry, cooking and cleaning. And last month she became a nurse. What could of pulled my family apart pulled it together. Sometimes it comes down to having some control back and taking little steps. Setting small goals to aim for and surrounding yourself with good things and staying away from the stressful bad things. A warm blanket when all your bones and muscles hurt. OHHH and a letter from a loving daughter that lets you know how special you are. I still have letters from my daughters and they are quite special to me. I look forward to seeing your posting here. Blessings Slickwilly
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    A1pena said:

    My mother was just diagnosed yesterday with serous carcinoma- not sure if its uterine or ovarian. They will be running some tests on Monday with pre op on Wed and then surgery the following Monday. They are planning to do a hysterectomy and most likely chemo. I am terrified. I cant seem to stop crying at the idea of losing my mother. She is the most amazing woman and I cant imagine my life without her. Makes me even more sad to think she might not be around for my wedding or get to know her future grandchildren. Its too early to tell just how serious her cancer is or how much it has spread but just knowing that this thing is eating at her is killing me. She is only 58 and has so much life in her. All i keep doing is researching and researching thinking that somewhere I'll find an article that says its it totally curable, you have nothing to worry about. I think what upsets me the most is that my mom had symptoms back in May but didnt see a doctor until November who didnt refer her to an oncologist until January!! I cant seem to find anything pertaining to how fast cancer spreads since all cancers/patients are different. Has anyone lost a family member or friend to Ovarian/uterine cancer or know someone currently living with it? I think the biggest fear is i have is of the unknown... any advice or support would be great especially on Monday, 2/1/2010 when my mom goes in for her surgery.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda

    Sorry
    Hi Amanda, I am very sorry you and your mother are going through this. The waiting is always hard. Not knowing is hard. Once you have all the information, your mom will be able to work with her drs. on a plan of action. At least then you will know that you are fighting the cancer. Then you and your mom will feel less helpless. Being a caregiver has it's own challenges. Waiting for answers, knowing that the decisions are your mom's to make, not knowing how she feels, wondering if you are doing everything you can. Just be there for her. Whatever the outcome of the tests or the surgery, hug her often and tell her you love her. Appreciate the now and celebrate your time together whether it be months or many years to come. I wish you both the best. By the way, if you haven't already been in touch with UC San Francisco's Cancer Center, check it out. They have some good programs for cancer survivors and family members. We only were there for drs. appointments and surgery and live too far away to take advantage of the many offerings I saw advertised. Some sounded very interesting. Fay
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92

    Hi Amanda
    I had Difuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. But it was not in my lymph system. What started out as a bump below my eye and next to my nose turned into a mass with tenticles that ran through the right side of my face. I have had 4 operations, Chop+rituxin chemo and 25 radiation treatments to my face. And I have been in remission for 7 years now. Now I will tell you how much things can change during treatments and tests.
    It took about 5 months to diagnosis my cancer. I had the mass removed and 7 biopsies before the cancer could be identified. The initial thoughts were that I had a 0% chance of living. They would remove body parts until there were no more parts to remove. Three days before a scheduled 12 hour operation to remove half of my face, the 10 day petri dish study came back. I had lymphoma and I went to a 50% chance of survival. The operation was cancelled. I have never forgot what it felt like when I thought I had no chance of living. No chance of seeing my three daughters grow up. I have many side effects from the treatments but I try to make the best out of each day that I have been given.
    There is no way you can understand what your mother is going through right now. I can gaurantee you that there are a million thoughts going through her mind at one time. And most parents are pretty protective of their children so it might be hard to get information out of her. My daughters were all supportive but I had one that really stepped up to the plate. She insisted on being at my first chemo treatment. She sat down and read all my chemo books. She knew what I should and should not be eating. She helped keep track of my medications. When I was in pain she did the dishes, laundry, cooking and cleaning. And last month she became a nurse. What could of pulled my family apart pulled it together. Sometimes it comes down to having some control back and taking little steps. Setting small goals to aim for and surrounding yourself with good things and staying away from the stressful bad things. A warm blanket when all your bones and muscles hurt. OHHH and a letter from a loving daughter that lets you know how special you are. I still have letters from my daughters and they are quite special to me. I look forward to seeing your posting here. Blessings Slickwilly

    Thank God the petri dish
    Thank God the petri dish study came back in time before the surgery! You are one strong person- I hope my mom has that same fight in her. There are 4 of us "kids" ranging from 26-36 years old all lined up to help my mom out- so the good thing is she will have tons of support and love all around her throughout this process. I can only imagine the rollercoaster ride of emotions that you and your family have been through- I should probably buckle up for my own ride. Thank you for your words of advice and sharing your story with me. Sounds like you have a great support system. It will definitely be a challange to stay positive espcially during this waiting period. I'll be moving back home soon and will be able to help out so there is some comfort in knowing that I will be able to physically be there for her.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92

    Hi Amanda
    I had Difuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. But it was not in my lymph system. What started out as a bump below my eye and next to my nose turned into a mass with tenticles that ran through the right side of my face. I have had 4 operations, Chop+rituxin chemo and 25 radiation treatments to my face. And I have been in remission for 7 years now. Now I will tell you how much things can change during treatments and tests.
    It took about 5 months to diagnosis my cancer. I had the mass removed and 7 biopsies before the cancer could be identified. The initial thoughts were that I had a 0% chance of living. They would remove body parts until there were no more parts to remove. Three days before a scheduled 12 hour operation to remove half of my face, the 10 day petri dish study came back. I had lymphoma and I went to a 50% chance of survival. The operation was cancelled. I have never forgot what it felt like when I thought I had no chance of living. No chance of seeing my three daughters grow up. I have many side effects from the treatments but I try to make the best out of each day that I have been given.
    There is no way you can understand what your mother is going through right now. I can gaurantee you that there are a million thoughts going through her mind at one time. And most parents are pretty protective of their children so it might be hard to get information out of her. My daughters were all supportive but I had one that really stepped up to the plate. She insisted on being at my first chemo treatment. She sat down and read all my chemo books. She knew what I should and should not be eating. She helped keep track of my medications. When I was in pain she did the dishes, laundry, cooking and cleaning. And last month she became a nurse. What could of pulled my family apart pulled it together. Sometimes it comes down to having some control back and taking little steps. Setting small goals to aim for and surrounding yourself with good things and staying away from the stressful bad things. A warm blanket when all your bones and muscles hurt. OHHH and a letter from a loving daughter that lets you know how special you are. I still have letters from my daughters and they are quite special to me. I look forward to seeing your posting here. Blessings Slickwilly

    Thank God the petri dish
    Thank God the petri dish study came back in time before the surgery! You are one strong person- I hope my mom has that same fight in her. There are 4 of us "kids" ranging from 26-36 years old all lined up to help my mom out- so the good thing is she will have tons of support and love all around her throughout this process. I can only imagine the rollercoaster ride of emotions that you and your family have been through- I should probably buckle up for my own ride. Thank you for your words of advice and sharing your story with me. Sounds like you have a great support system. It will definitely be a challange to stay positive espcially during this waiting period. I'll be moving back home soon and will be able to help out so there is some comfort in knowing that I will be able to physically be there for her.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92

    Sorry
    Hi Amanda, I am very sorry you and your mother are going through this. The waiting is always hard. Not knowing is hard. Once you have all the information, your mom will be able to work with her drs. on a plan of action. At least then you will know that you are fighting the cancer. Then you and your mom will feel less helpless. Being a caregiver has it's own challenges. Waiting for answers, knowing that the decisions are your mom's to make, not knowing how she feels, wondering if you are doing everything you can. Just be there for her. Whatever the outcome of the tests or the surgery, hug her often and tell her you love her. Appreciate the now and celebrate your time together whether it be months or many years to come. I wish you both the best. By the way, if you haven't already been in touch with UC San Francisco's Cancer Center, check it out. They have some good programs for cancer survivors and family members. We only were there for drs. appointments and surgery and live too far away to take advantage of the many offerings I saw advertised. Some sounded very interesting. Fay

    Hi fay- thank you for your
    Hi fay- thank you for your note. You hit the nail on the head- not knowing is really tough. We've started looking up cancer-fighting foods in an attempt to gain more control. She is actually getting her surgery done at UCSF. The surgeon seems pretty amazing so I at least feel good about that. I'll definitely look into their programs while we are there. At this point, I am sure we are all willing to try just about anything.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    A1pena said:

    Hi fay- thank you for your
    Hi fay- thank you for your note. You hit the nail on the head- not knowing is really tough. We've started looking up cancer-fighting foods in an attempt to gain more control. She is actually getting her surgery done at UCSF. The surgeon seems pretty amazing so I at least feel good about that. I'll definitely look into their programs while we are there. At this point, I am sure we are all willing to try just about anything.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda

    food groups
    Just a side note to all of the great advice given, amanda, with respect to your searching for 'cancer-fighting' foods.

    This is well and good, but please make sure your mom's doctors, especially OncoMan, know about these measures beforehand.

    It turns out that some foods, vitamins, supplements that we take with the best of intentions, even some things that maybe we should have been taking BEFORE the cancer diagnosis, have an adverse impact on chemotherapy's success.

    The point is, whatever you read on the internet, even here, and whatever you read in books, and whatever you hear from friends and self-professed experts, please advise mom to talk to her docs before getting into them.

    Best wishes to mom and her family.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    A1pena said:

    Hi fay- thank you for your
    Hi fay- thank you for your note. You hit the nail on the head- not knowing is really tough. We've started looking up cancer-fighting foods in an attempt to gain more control. She is actually getting her surgery done at UCSF. The surgeon seems pretty amazing so I at least feel good about that. I'll definitely look into their programs while we are there. At this point, I am sure we are all willing to try just about anything.

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda

    UCSF
    Glad to hear that you are in the hands (literally) of the UCSF medical people. We were really impressed with my husband's care there. We were at the Mt. Zion Cancer Center on Divisadero. From what I read on various flyers, they also have some integrative medicine programs and one to help you prepare for surgery. They even had live, peaceful music at times. Check out their website which has a lot of helpful information. I've included the link at the bottom. It's also called the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center. We were there for three different surgeries, so I spent quite a bit of time hanging out there. They have a good cafeteria and gift shop, too. Fay


    link: cancer.ucsf.edu/about/facilities.php
  • slickwilly
    slickwilly Member Posts: 334 Member

    UCSF
    Glad to hear that you are in the hands (literally) of the UCSF medical people. We were really impressed with my husband's care there. We were at the Mt. Zion Cancer Center on Divisadero. From what I read on various flyers, they also have some integrative medicine programs and one to help you prepare for surgery. They even had live, peaceful music at times. Check out their website which has a lot of helpful information. I've included the link at the bottom. It's also called the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center. We were there for three different surgeries, so I spent quite a bit of time hanging out there. They have a good cafeteria and gift shop, too. Fay


    link: cancer.ucsf.edu/about/facilities.php

    Hi Amenda
    I agree with Joe completly on the subject of diet and information. Talk to the Oncologist and read all the information you are given by them. Each individual is different and cancer treatments effect us all in different ways. One thing we have not talked about is dignity. Its always an issue during cancer. During operations and testing it seems everyone in the world is looking at us in the worst of conditions. I always felt like every nurse in the state had seen my butt at some point. If your mother is ok with you helping her then try to protect her dignity from visitors. That includes the rest of the family. You should not have to explain why you and your mother need a moment of privacy. But sometimes people just don't get it or understand. I have worked with a bunch of local people and there are always issues with company and sleeping. So we came up the the curtain or light signal. When the curtains are pulled we are sleeping. Or if an outside light is on we are sleeping. Company is great but we also need our sleep so our bodies can rebuild and heal. Best of luck with your move. Slickwilly
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92

    Hi Amenda
    I agree with Joe completly on the subject of diet and information. Talk to the Oncologist and read all the information you are given by them. Each individual is different and cancer treatments effect us all in different ways. One thing we have not talked about is dignity. Its always an issue during cancer. During operations and testing it seems everyone in the world is looking at us in the worst of conditions. I always felt like every nurse in the state had seen my butt at some point. If your mother is ok with you helping her then try to protect her dignity from visitors. That includes the rest of the family. You should not have to explain why you and your mother need a moment of privacy. But sometimes people just don't get it or understand. I have worked with a bunch of local people and there are always issues with company and sleeping. So we came up the the curtain or light signal. When the curtains are pulled we are sleeping. Or if an outside light is on we are sleeping. Company is great but we also need our sleep so our bodies can rebuild and heal. Best of luck with your move. Slickwilly

    Hi There!
    Thank you for your notes! I'm making a list of questions to ask the doctor on our next visit which is this Wednesday. Food/supplements are defintely on that list. I wanted to ask, can you feel it spread? As of right now, my mom says she feels fine, is breathing well, doesnt have an upset stomach nothing... would she be able to tell if it was attacking other organs? I am sure speculation is not healthy- but I was just curious if there are any warning signs...

    Fay- we are also at the Mt Zion Cancer center on Divisidero! What a small world...I know my mom is open to integrated medicine so those programs sound like a great idea. I took a look at your profile, so sorry for your loss :( Thoughts, prayers and hugs for you...

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    A1pena said:

    Hi There!
    Thank you for your notes! I'm making a list of questions to ask the doctor on our next visit which is this Wednesday. Food/supplements are defintely on that list. I wanted to ask, can you feel it spread? As of right now, my mom says she feels fine, is breathing well, doesnt have an upset stomach nothing... would she be able to tell if it was attacking other organs? I am sure speculation is not healthy- but I was just curious if there are any warning signs...

    Fay- we are also at the Mt Zion Cancer center on Divisidero! What a small world...I know my mom is open to integrated medicine so those programs sound like a great idea. I took a look at your profile, so sorry for your loss :( Thoughts, prayers and hugs for you...

    Kind Regards,

    Amanda

    the silent one
    They call ovarian the silent one because it's so sneaky, often taking women by surprise. The symptoms can be subtle, and often are mistaken for other things.

    Would your mother be able to tell if it was spreading? Right now she may be feeling very little, and then the pain of recovering from surgery will make it impossible to tell what's going on.

    Spread to liver or pancreas would show up in blood work and be accompanied by clear sets of symptoms. At this time, either are highly unlikely.

    Right now, sit tight and hold mamas hand and tell her you'll be there for her no matter what. After the surgeon has staged the cancer, she can tell you much more about your mother's condition.

    The place where my mom had her surgery has a new DaVinci robot, but I don't know much about it. Supposed to be hot stuff.
  • crick
    crick Member Posts: 8
    Caregiver Chat room
    Hi Kasey,
    My wife was diagnosed with lung cancer 3 weeks ago, I am looking for a chat room for cargivers. Has this started?

    Thank you
  • charbannon
    charbannon Member Posts: 8
    able to speak to another cancer caregiver
    today is Feb. 8,2010 looking for someone to chat with, who is a cancer caregiver to a loved one. my email is charbannon@gmail.com, or if you would rather ,chat on this network.i would really appreciate it.
  • madmaggie
    madmaggie Member Posts: 1

    able to speak to another cancer caregiver
    today is Feb. 8,2010 looking for someone to chat with, who is a cancer caregiver to a loved one. my email is charbannon@gmail.com, or if you would rather ,chat on this network.i would really appreciate it.

    Hi Char, my husband is in
    Hi Char, my husband is in the last week or so of his life. Feeling pretty rocky right now.
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    madmaggie said:

    Hi Char, my husband is in
    Hi Char, my husband is in the last week or so of his life. Feeling pretty rocky right now.

    Hard Time
    I am really sorry you are facing this hard time. Just take it day by day, hour by hour, or minute by minute. This is a very hard time. I lost my husband in Oct., 2009. My thoughts will be with you. Fay
  • METSsux
    METSsux Member Posts: 1
    Chat room
    Hi Kasey,
    I am caring for my wife of 36 years. She was diagnosed 10 yeass ago with breast cancer, had a masectomy, chemo, pills afterwards the whole nine yards. She was pronounced Cancer free and graduated. Well after that we thought okay this problem is licked we can go on with our lives. Just 9 months ago she started having problems and after an MRI found out she has mestesatized breast cancer (thus METSsux)that has spread to her brain, spine, knees etc. This one has really knocked us for a loop. She has since retired from her job because she cannot do the physical labor. She putters around in the yard but tires really easy. She had radiation treatments for three months and is now on IV therpy and testesterone pills. She is surviving but both of us walk on egg shells just "waiting for the other shoe to drop". I would love to have a forum to talk and ask questions in as I am really in the dark as to what to expect next. Tahks for letting me vent.
  • evalencia
    evalencia Member Posts: 3

    Kasey,
    I think that is a fantastic idea. I have two caregivers and will let them know.

    Are delusion part of the process?
    My father has been doing his chimo are receiving good treatment. He was a cigarette smoker for almost 33 years before chimo. Now he is in the hospital for an infection he had but is now beginning to belive there is "critters" that don't let him rest.

    I know this is noy normal. Does chimo every go to brain?? Do any drugs relating to chimo have any kind of hullucinagenic properties? What is going on?
  • onhold
    onhold Member Posts: 23
    evalencia said:

    Are delusion part of the process?
    My father has been doing his chimo are receiving good treatment. He was a cigarette smoker for almost 33 years before chimo. Now he is in the hospital for an infection he had but is now beginning to belive there is "critters" that don't let him rest.

    I know this is noy normal. Does chimo every go to brain?? Do any drugs relating to chimo have any kind of hullucinagenic properties? What is going on?

    chemo brain
    Yes evalencia, chemo or other cancer treatment related drugs do have an effect on the brain. Halucinations or vivid nightmares can be side effects, please bring this information to the attention of your father's nurses and doctors. Chemo can affect memory and reaction time, and can even lead to the patient making responses which don't seem appropriate to the conversation at hand. This is known as "chemo-brain", and usually goes away after chemo stops, but sometimes it takes a while. I think you should have gotten more information about chemotherapy from your father's oncologist.
  • Bevie
    Bevie Member Posts: 2
    arbrab said:

    caregivers chat room
    In 2007 march my soul mate passed from lung cancer. I was his soul caregiver. A job that I wouldn't trade for in a million years. I have been in the Chat Room that Joe is talking about and have learned so much from survivors to caregivers old and new. But, we do need a place where it's just caregivers. Where we can talk about what each of us has been through and maybe help each other with the after. I go to the chat room because I still haven't a clue as to what I should be doing with my life now. And there are angels in there that have helped me deal with alot of issues. But, someone else with a life experience that has lost a loved one to cancer or death in general is sometimes a greater help than those who have not experienced this at all. I in fact just lost my first sibling to lung cancer = he was 62. Amd #4 of 11 kids. Also I am dealing with #8 a sister going through chemo and radiation for tongue cancer. Yes, i do have a full plate. It is hard to deal with the stress of just being a caregiver, but the added stress does take it's toll.
    I would have to tell my mate everywhere I went in the house or just if I stepped outside to get fresh air. And alot of times wanted to just pull my hair out. So Please lets start a chat room for caregivers. we can still go to the regular chat room if we want.

    lost
    I just lost my fiance' to lung cancer june 13th of 2010...I am now going through the anger stage. It took my whole life to meet this man and we never got our happily ever after. We had been together would have been 2 years aug 1st. At the 1 year mark he was diagnosed with cancer. It went from the lung to the brain then liver then spine. He was only 54 years old. I miss him so. I was his only caregiver. What now??? What do I do with the rest of my life?????? Help!
  • Bevie
    Bevie Member Posts: 2
    arbrab said:

    caregivers chat room
    In 2007 march my soul mate passed from lung cancer. I was his soul caregiver. A job that I wouldn't trade for in a million years. I have been in the Chat Room that Joe is talking about and have learned so much from survivors to caregivers old and new. But, we do need a place where it's just caregivers. Where we can talk about what each of us has been through and maybe help each other with the after. I go to the chat room because I still haven't a clue as to what I should be doing with my life now. And there are angels in there that have helped me deal with alot of issues. But, someone else with a life experience that has lost a loved one to cancer or death in general is sometimes a greater help than those who have not experienced this at all. I in fact just lost my first sibling to lung cancer = he was 62. Amd #4 of 11 kids. Also I am dealing with #8 a sister going through chemo and radiation for tongue cancer. Yes, i do have a full plate. It is hard to deal with the stress of just being a caregiver, but the added stress does take it's toll.
    I would have to tell my mate everywhere I went in the house or just if I stepped outside to get fresh air. And alot of times wanted to just pull my hair out. So Please lets start a chat room for caregivers. we can still go to the regular chat room if we want.

    lost
    I just lost my fiance' to lung cancer june 13th of 2010...I am now going through the anger stage. It took my whole life to meet this man and we never got our happily ever after. We had been together would have been 2 years aug 1st. At the 1 year mark he was diagnosed with cancer. It went from the lung to the brain then liver then spine. He was only 54 years old. I miss him so. I was his only caregiver. What now??? What do I do with the rest of my life?????? Help!
  • 1blessedamongus
    1blessedamongus Member Posts: 15
    Bevie said:

    lost
    I just lost my fiance' to lung cancer june 13th of 2010...I am now going through the anger stage. It took my whole life to meet this man and we never got our happily ever after. We had been together would have been 2 years aug 1st. At the 1 year mark he was diagnosed with cancer. It went from the lung to the brain then liver then spine. He was only 54 years old. I miss him so. I was his only caregiver. What now??? What do I do with the rest of my life?????? Help!

    scared
    My husband is 59 and was diagnosed just 2 1/2 years ago with lung cancer. He was just recently placed on hospice and has his good days and his bad days where he sleeps all day. On his good days when he is able to walk a little I think maybe we have another year or so then on the days where he is too weak to stand or eat I fear the end is near and that scares me to death. We have had good years mixed with bad years and I love him so but I wanted to retire with him and not have to worry about working when we got older. I am so afraid of being by myself as I have never really had to ever spend one night by myself because I am a scaredy cat. What will help me stay sane when our world falls apart soon. I love being home with him (I have taken FML )as his caregiver-we get to talk and just be with each other and we are able to talk about death. I try to focus just on him and stay in the Word because I intellectually know I can call on God to see me through but then I let worry creep in. How are you able to hold up after you loved ones death.