How do we help?.....

blackswampboy said:

wow, that's a lot of reading

the short version...

having read all the trials of caregivers on these boards...I've actually been thankful for never having had one.  nope, didn't want to put anybody through all the worry. I was grateful to the kid (he was 20 at the time) for driving me to my chemo sessions, but other than that...he was smart enough to leave me alone to sleep and take my meds.

you might find some info here:

Family Caregiving 101

Thanks for the link. I forwarded to my partner. With the exception of a very short (and in retrospect, big mistake) 2nd marriage, I've been on my own since 1999. I had become very self sufficient and used to being on my own. Now. since Marcia and I have been together, I can't imagine my life without her. I do hate the fact that I'm putting her through this but at the same time I'm thankful for her support and love. I just want to make it as easy as I possibly can for her. 

In the short time we've been together we've learned each others moods, quirks and the like. She's very good at giving me space when I need it and I do the same for her. Having taken the time while on my own to learn about myself, I know what triggers certain reactions and moods and have a pretty good handle on controlling them. I know that "Jack" will present challenges to that as well. Here's hoping I keep ahead of his shenanagins!

"T"