Jeanna - Believe it! You are already a hero yourself! You have given of yourself unselfishly in a way that many are not strong enough, or can love enough, to do. I do believe everything happens for a reason. Often the reason is not known to us for a while, but when it does become known, usually we are able to see that the change that occurred in our lives was a good one. Trying to care for someone you love while at the same time trying to hold down a job with the stress of being torn in two different directions has got to be indescribably difficult. When my son was diagnosed with SCC I had just recently retired and I just don't know how I would have survived myself if I had had to manage a job in addition to being a CG. All those that do are my special heros! And about the job - it's ok to be angry at losing the job, at not being treated well - but it could just mean that there is a better job or something better for you to do just around the corner. Any time, a change occurs - even if it's a good change - there is usually stress but it doesn't have to last. Eckhardt Tolle says "What you resist, persists" and he also said "Accept with joy and enthusiasm". Now, I don't know about the "joy and enthusiasm" part, but I do know that if you can accept that something happened, it is easier to de-stress and think of what you can do about it. Accepting a situation doesn't mean you have to agree with it, it just means you know it's there, and then you can decide what to do about it. First of all, though, you need to think about YOU! And of what you need to make yourself feel better. (Christine is right about CG's sometimes needing anxiety meds, so think about that.) As a caregiver you need to have compassion for yourself, and if it involves having a good cry, so be it. You will feel better afterwards. Try to think of something you like to do just for you. Maybe lunch with a friend, eating chocolate (my personal favorite), or seeing a funny movie, etc. Maybe you and Rod could see a funny movie together? You really deserve a break, Jeanna to renew and replenish your own emotional store. If you cannot give to yourself, you will not be able to give to anyone else. So, do take care of You, and let us know how both you and Rod are doing.