On 5/16/2007 Brandon-cg wrote:
Hi, I am 34, my wife 32 was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February of this year. We have been through a lot, still going through quite a bit. While she is doing quite well with radiation and chemotherapy treatments, this has totally turned our worlds inside out. I am exhausted by it all. I have no alone time for myself, its been work, then home to take care of all the normal things 2 people might share. Plus, I get so little space to myself because my wife is always at home now resting most of the time. She is also understandably more emotionally needy. Believe me, I have been doing everything I should and can do for her, for the situation as a whole. Ive tried excepting help when offered, I have talked to my doctor who gave me Ativan to take at night to help me relax and fall asleep. To be careful I don't get addicted, I cut my pills in half, taking only 1-mg per night. I usually sleep well but I still feel exhausted. My doctor said that therapy really wouldn't help me because there is no fixable problem with all of this, its just something that I have to cope the best I can with. Im not so sure and Im wondering if anyone has any insight on this. Has anyone had some talk therapy, counciling, etc....? My guy friends are not much help, and to be honest neither is my family. They all mean well, but I have some real monkeys on my back that I need to talk about. Anyone else?
am so sorry to hear of your prdicament. I was horrified how insensitive and uninformed your Dr. is. There are many support groups for you the problem is finding one. I don't know where you live, but my hospital has a Sharing and Caring suport group for patients and their care givers, perhaps they could refer you to someone in your area. Toll free 1-888-527-8582. Also, Gildas Club has Mens Club and Family Groups. Try gildasclubdetroit@ yahoo.com perhaps they can refer you. The stress of being a caretaker is second only to one who has a disease. There is help out there. Learning Meditation or Visualization can also help, your local hospital may teach it. Don't give up, there is a support group out there for you. Good luck. Kathy
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