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My sister diagnosed with Dementia 12 yrs ago...

SDianeL
SDianeL Member Posts: 3,421
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in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

Many of you know that I lost my husband to Alzheimer's August 12, 2024 and that I had to place him in memory care due to my cancer diagnosis. I just finished my 2nd round of chemo, 5 weeks of radiation and my 2nd major surgery. Due to my cancer treatment I haven't been able to visit my sister who was diagnosed with Dementia in 2014 as often as I wanted. She is now on hospice. I went to visit her last Sunday for an hour. She isn't able to communicate anymore, just jumbled words. I was holding her hand and talking to her when she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said 2 words: "I don't"…. My heart broke in two! Dementia sucks!! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers these last few years. Please pray for my sister Doris. 💜

Comments

  • notequipped
    notequipped Member Posts: 136
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    Yes, it does suck! I can’t imagine going through this more than once with a loved one especially while dealing with your own cancer diagnosis. Glad that you were able to spend some time with your sister. 🙏🏻

  • dcare45
    dcare45 Member Posts: 230
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    @SDianeL I am pretty new to this site and had no idea of what you have been going through. I have noticed and read your post because they are always helpful. Now I know why. You have been through the Gauntlet more than once. Thank you for sharing your strength. I'm praying for you and Doris.

  • Lethe
    Lethe Member Posts: 125
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    What a beyond difficult time you have had. Sending you light and strength.

  • Biggles
    Biggles Member Posts: 892
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    How dreadfully sad for you with your DH and now your sister and your own health, alzheimers and dementia are such a cruel and unfair diseases. Although my sister lives 2000 kilometres away, which makes visiting impossible, the ties are very deep. My thoughts are with you and Doris.

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 1,073
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76851/my-sister-diagnosed-with-dementia-12-yrs-ago

    I’m so sorry all of this has happened and is happening to you. You have always been an inspiration and a great help to all of us. If only I could give you a big hug.

  • jgreen
    jgreen Member Posts: 514
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    God bless and continue to watch over you, @SDianeL

    Prayers for you and Doris. And I will add to all the hugs coming your way 💝

  • Bowerbird
    Bowerbird Member Posts: 97
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    edited August 16

    @SDianeL Tears are coming to my eyes while reading your heartfelt post. I wish you the comfort and strength that you have given so many others here in this forum. You are one strong woman with a beautiful soul.

  • CindyBum
    CindyBum Member Posts: 785
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    My goodness, Diane. Talk about a heavy load.

    I send prayers your and Doris' way.

    Hugs.

  • annie51
    annie51 Member Posts: 817
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    Diane, you are a rock and a great example to us all. You’ve been dealt many blows but you soldier on! I’ll add Doris to my prayers and for you that you will continue on your recovery.

    Sending hugs!

  • Goodlife2025
    Goodlife2025 Member Posts: 490
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    Diane, adding Doris to my prayers for you. It's been a rough rough season for your own journey and I am hopeful you have some smooth days ahead with a huge helping of peace, love, and joy.

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 2,339
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    You have been through far too much. So sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • NannyG55
    NannyG55 Member Posts: 1,417
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    Sending love and hugs and prayers for you and Sister Doris❤️🙏❤️

  • CharlieS
    CharlieS Member Posts: 35
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    SdianeL, I am so sorry. Your posts have been so helpful, insightful, educational. I’ve learned so much from them. It’s just not right that you have to go through all this. I will keep both you and your sister, Doris, in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Dio
    Dio Member Posts: 953
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    Hugs…just hugs…

  • White Crane
    White Crane Member Posts: 1,246
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    Diane, my prayers will be with Doris and with you. Dealing with your own health and now with your sister being in hospice care is a heavy load. I hope coming here to this forum can help relieve some of that load and may you feel all the virtual hugs coming your way.

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 296
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    https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76851/my-sister-diagnosed-with-dementia-12-yrs-ago

    My heart breaks with yours Diane. To say you’ve been through so much is an understatement for sure. I’m so sorry it hasn’t started to “let up”. I will pray for you and Doris. And sending you a virtual hug too! Take Care!!!

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more

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