What to do?? Life after a stroke

Hi @sclatt, Speech therapy is such a great help for stroke recovery. Check out this discussion with about aphasia with other members:
- Let's "Talk" About Aphasia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/june-is-national-aphasia-month/

It is really hard to be the sole caregiver. I can understand your wife's fear of your leaving even though deep down, she's know you're there for the long haul. She probably worries about being a burden and at the same time wants you around all the time. That's a tough one and makes it really hard on you.

I learned this tip from another caregiver once. Her mom never wanted to be alone. If she had to run an errand or just wanted to go out in the garden for a brief moment alone, she would leave a specific stuffed animal on a chair that her mom would see up waking. If the stuffie was there, the mother knew her daughter would be back and not grow anxious coming out of her nap.

This may not mirror the situation with your wife exactly, but I share the story in the hopes that it might give you some ideas.

Have you been able to find a speech therapist or physical therapist near you?

Thank you so much for the kind words and helpful instructions.My wife gets extremely angry when I tell her the PT is coming,but,hey,what you going to do?She is really having a hard time coping with the stroke and breast cancer at the same time.But,again,thank you.

That's rough on you, @sclatt. Of course, you know that her anger isn't directed at you, it's her conditions. But it's hard to remember that and can wear you down.

Did you see the really helpful reply you got from @shani here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/754927/

I agree that small things count and finding activities that she enjoys makes doing activities easier to stick with.

I know it is a hard road to navigate.I have been doing this by myself as far as the 24/7 care goes,and I am afraid of burnout.Sometimes it is so overwhelming I just want to cry.I know that it is selfish on my part,but,it is hard.Thank you for the reassuring words!