← Return to Caring for a Strong-Willed, Controlling Spouse - How do you do it?

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@royce

Thank you, Becky. We have set up a place for her in the bedroom and in the living room. We can improve it by making a medications organizer of some kind. We live kind of isolated in the country and plan on selling and moving closer to my sons family some day. So far my wife mainly gets her news from the internet, watches TV shows (especially detective shows and documentaries), and I will try to find out what more I can set up for her. She does like art and gardening.

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Replies to "Thank you, Becky. We have set up a place for her in the bedroom and in..."

Hi @royce .
It sounds like you got a lot on your plate and you're doing a good job. My wife has been a cancer survivor since 2018. (Brain tumor in 2013, then multiple myeloma 2017). It was quite a struggle for me and my daughter during the time of the brain tumor. Surgery, ICU, rehab etc. Then the trip to City Of Hope for two months in 2017 for her stem cell and chemo. My sister flew in from Texas to stay here a month at the house with my daughter who was still in high school. Then my sister in law drove down from Monterey Ca. to stay another month when my sister flew home.

The cancer tx's left their mark. (radiation, chemo). Iv'e had to be extra eyes and ears for her. She has cognitive delay and spatial awareness deficit. She broke her rt arm recently and the amount of extra work I have to do has been overwhelming @ times. She's also very particular about how she wants things done in the house. I feel like I'm still in orientation. She's finding new things for me to do. Our calendar looks like a bingo card with only a couple of empty spots. PT and Doctor appointments etc. It's nonstop. And yes , I get chewed out a little bit here and there. For the most part I've been able to embrace the changes/responsibilities. Her frustration with the loss of control is something I try to pay attention to. I like to surprise her with unexpected hugs and kisses. They go a long way. Making her laugh is also therapeutic for both of us. Preparing her favorites to eat is a big deal as well. Hang in there Royce. And don't forget to bring her flowers.
In His Grace
Ernie