In the past few days a number of people have asked me, “How is Kate?” In each instance, I have said that she is getting along well right now. I have been clear to say that it isn’t that there is any improvement in her condition but that she and I are enjoying life. I make a point of this because I was discouraged when we returned from our cruise in January. Although I sensed that the complete change in scenery and routine were factors in her failure to enjoy the trip as much as I had hoped, it is only now that we have been back a while that I know how much impact that had on her. She suffers boredom and is periodically irritable at home, but at least she is on a fairly routine schedule. Of course, I have read and heard caregivers talk about the importance of a routine, but going through the experience of the cruise has made a greater impression on me. I suppose that it is quite normal. I don’t think any of us fully appreciates what is involved in dealing with any illness until we experience it. This morning I had a conversation with someone who is undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer. He was telling me all the things that he has learned and never knew anything about before he became a cancer patient. I am sure that is equally true for someone who has a kidney problem and has to undergo dialysis. I definitely believe it is true for a couple facing Alzheimer’s.
