Family Worries
I have recently found out that my nan's twin brother doesn't have long to live. The family don't think he will make it through the winter, even the next 2 months is a challenge. He was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Emphysema) in 2000 and thanks to him giving up smoking as soon as being diagnosed he has done well to reach Sept 2008 and we all knew that this day would come one day but I suppose as he has lived with it for so long we presumed he had a few more years in him yet. We all know that once he gives up his long battle with this horrid disease and goes to a better place then he will be happier and will no longer be in pain or have to suffer anymore. I am very concerned about my nan though. My Grandad died of Emphysema on 21st December 2005 after only being diagnosed 4 years earlier. As I come from a single parent family and my mum was only 17 when I was born, my nan has been a second parent to me my whole life and I can't bear to think about her hurting. Losing my grandad was very hard for her, they were married for 44 years. My nan has always been close to her brother, especially considering that they are twins and I am just very worried about her welfare and emotional state. She is one of those people who feels like they have to be strong for everyone else because she is the centre of our family. She never cries infront of anyone. I just don't want her to bottle it all up and then have a huge meltdown. Fingers crossed she is ok
Replies
Lucy:
All my best to you and your family; I know how tough it is to lose family members - lost my dad on my son\'s third birthday, my mother after a nine month coma, my brother, mother-in-law and father-in-law within an eighteen month period. You never get used to it and it is never easy, but you, and your nan, can get through it, one day at a time.
All my best and many hugs for you.
Lynne
I completely spaced and missed this post. I guess it doesn\'t matter than your great unle Tony\'s death was expected; he\'s gone. I smoked for a long time, and I have some permanent damage, too. I had a test recently, and one doctor concluded mild to sever emphysema, but my pulmonologist reviewed the test results and said phewey. He says I have small airways disease, which might be termed COPD, but any emphysema is light, or it would have been a big deal on my CT scan. It doesn\'t change anything, really. I\'m going to keep acting as though I will improve, no matter.
I\'m sorry for your loss, Lucy.
Hugs, Doug