Wow! We are in the same boat except for the drinking and dementia. My husband used to be a heavy beer drinker but he quit about 7 months ago when it began bothering his stomach. I agree with you when people say you are doing such a job with taking care of him. The only care I give him currently is keeping an eye on him when he is smoking. But putting up with all the loud ridiculous noises is about to drive me crazy. He does make his own meals. They are all microwavable. He makes his own coffee. If he asks me to help, I will. But he always says he can do it himself. He does not drive anymore. We only have 1 old car and I cant afford a car payment at this time if he would wreck it. Yes, it can be lonely and unless you have a friend that has gone thru this, people don't really understand. I know I have it easier than others and for that I am thankful. But I believe with the narcotics and the copd along with the lung cancer will kill him soon. the doctors told him this. I hate to be the one who worries everytime he falls asleep worrying that he may not be able to be resusitated. I am not going to say anything anymore. Perhaps quality is better than quantity at this point. Hang in there.

I reread what you wrote and one of your last comments hit home! I feel like part of me is going away from the changes and the verbal and sometimes I feel defeated and overwhelmed! We as caregivers have feelings and it is hard to believe what we are witnessing and enduring through all of this. We are hurt and sometimes internally feeling anxious and or frustration to this whole thing! Please know that you describe what alot of us feel! Hugs