Really Stressed Out

stephmcdonald
stephmcdonald Member Posts: 1
in Caregivers #1
My Sister with Breast Cancer is staying with me, I am really stressed. I have alienated all my friends and most of my family. I have been unable to deal with my sisters smoking. She continues to smoke and she just cannot breath. She had COPD and Emphysema before she was diagnosed. My husband smokes too, and I am just not able to deal with all of this any more. I just do not have any choice. I realized my life was out of control I just cannot deal with much more, I am not sure what will happen but something to give.

Comments

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #2
    understand
    Steph, I know how hard this is from personal experience.

    Smoking is a terrible thing: I'm glad you don't smoke.

    You are going to have to be assertive and make them go outside to smoke, first of all. That is for your health.

    Make sure you tell them how you feel - you care about them and it is so hard to watch. You also don't want the diseases that can come from their second-hand smoke.

    Speak up - at least you will be able to say you have done that much. This may cause a fight - let it! This is a fight for their lives and for yours. It isn't an easy thing at all.

    Hugs, Steph.
  • Bearsmile
    Bearsmile Member Posts: 24
    #3
    understand
    I can relate to feeling stressed out. I have learned to try and take things one day at a time but it is so hard. I think there is added stress caused by the disease above the normal everyday stuff. I find myself questioning a lot of things. I agree that you need to speak up about them smoking outside for your own health. Good luck and know that you are not alone.
  • angela.barnes38
    angela.barnes38 Member Posts: 15
    #4
    Noellesmom said:

    understand
    Steph, I know how hard this is from personal experience.

    Smoking is a terrible thing: I'm glad you don't smoke.

    You are going to have to be assertive and make them go outside to smoke, first of all. That is for your health.

    Make sure you tell them how you feel - you care about them and it is so hard to watch. You also don't want the diseases that can come from their second-hand smoke.

    Speak up - at least you will be able to say you have done that much. This may cause a fight - let it! This is a fight for their lives and for yours. It isn't an easy thing at all.

    Hugs, Steph.

    I agree with Noellesmom, you
    I agree with Noellesmom, you should ask them to move out for smoking. Also try to explain how you feel when you see them smoking.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
    Hi Steph

    Sorry to hear you have to go through all this and no matter what you do you will be the bad guy. But sometimes you need to just say something or you will get sick, I know how I hate being around people who smoke.

    Wishing you the best
    Hondo
  • cdeleon
    cdeleon Member Posts: 6
    #6
    So what has become of this? It's been over a month, any resolutions of fixes for you?
  • cdeleon
    cdeleon Member Posts: 6
    #7
    So what has become of this? It's been over a month, any resolutions of fixes for you?

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