Alzheimer's Disease - Barb

[Guest guest]

> My mother has Alzheimer's Disease. Although her body is

> doing fine, her mind is going. It's an awful illness.

> I haven't told her I have breast cancer. She just

> wouldn't understand or she might understand too much.

> I so wish I had her to talk to. Thank God for my family,

> dh and kids and my brothers.

Dear Barb,

My mum has senile dementia - similar to Alzheimers. I have told her about

the cancer, several times, and have had to learn not to take her responses

personally. That's hard. Examples:

About my furry hat: " Oh, I don't like that! "

About my bald head when I took off my hat: " That's terrible! Why did you do

that? "

When I told her it was because I had cancer: " Well, that's not very

interesting. "

And again when I was bald: " Haven't you got big ears! "

She's just not my mum any more. As you say (nearly <G>), thank goodness for

the rest of my family, who are all as helpful and loving as anyone could

wish for.

Hugs,

Margery.

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margery@... in North Herts, UK

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[Guest guest]

Margery,

See, I just couldn't guess what my mom would say. She might get sad and be upset, which would hurt her very much or she might do like your mom and that would hurt me very much. Having to repeat the story over and over would be hard for both of us. I've let my brother know he has to pick up on taking care of Mom as I will not be around for her as much. He's been very supportive. I can still send notes (she no longer writes letters or sends cards) and cards and call her, but whether it has been 5 minutes ago I was there or 6 months, she wouldn't remember. If I ask her, no one has ever been to see her where she's lived for the last 18 months. Her memory is so bad, she won't realize I have not been there.

Barb

Alzheimer's Disease - Barb

> My mother has Alzheimer's Disease. Although her body is> doing fine, her mind is going. It's an awful illness.> I haven't told her I have breast cancer. She just> wouldn't understand or she might understand too much.> I so wish I had her to talk to. Thank God for my family,> dh and kids and my brothers.Dear Barb,My mum has senile dementia - similar to Alzheimers. I have told her aboutthe cancer, several times, and have had to learn not to take her responsespersonally. That's hard. Examples:About my furry hat: "Oh, I don't like that!"About my bald head when I took off my hat: "That's terrible! Why did you dothat?"When I told her it was because I had cancer: "Well, that's not veryinteresting."And again when I was bald: "Haven't you got big ears!"She's just not my mum any more. As you say (nearly <G>), thank goodness forthe rest of my family, who are all as helpful and loving as anyone couldwish for.Hugs,Margery. ============================================ margery@... in North Herts, UK ============================================