Gretchen.........I agree with DQKCK, your partners Doctor needs to be aware of her previous addiction to pills. Only then will they be able to address your partners addiction and stragities to prevent a relapse. The sooner this is brought to the attention of her medical team, the better.

Being a caretaker, helper and partner is a difficult place to be in. Watching someone suffer is not an easy thing to do and so much is left up to the healthy person in terms of keeping things afloat on the homefront...taking care of kids, paying the bills, cooking and cleaning all falls on the healthy caretaker/partner. Cancer is tough stuff and it is a disease that affects everyone in the family unit, not just the person diagnosed and being treated.

I hear your pain and frustration in all of this and believe me I understand where you're coming from. The good news in all of this is the fact that you do not have to do this alone. You mentioned that you are in therapy but have you thought about joining a cancer support group? The folks in the support groups know and understand what you are going through and may be able to give you ideas and insight into some coping stragities. Treatment is tough and the recovery long and hard but very very very doable. Joining a cancer support group will help give you, the caretaker/partner a voice in all of this. It is a safe place to vent and a wonderful place for an exchange of ideas. The American Cancer Society is a great place to start when looking for a support group or perhaps your therapist could help you locate a support group in your area. What ever you do, don't stop posting....and vent all you want to. We're all here to help. Hang tight, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sincerely, Donna