feeling helpless

[Guest guest]

Hi, all

I am so far behind with messages that it's ridiculous. Unfortunately, because of

my own " stuff " it's sometimes hard to sit at the computer for any length of

time. So, please don't think me selfish when I write this email and have barely

responded to any of yours.

I don't really know what to do to help my sister. I think the stress is really

eating at her and my mother, who lives much closer than I do, says she thinks my

sister is " losing it " . She's not interested in support groups at this point. I

thought maybe one in person, rather than over the internet, might be a better

option for her because she already feels the time constraints and egroups take a

huge amount of time with the hundreds of messages. However, she apparently

doesn't want to do it. I'm hoping when I see her at Thanksgiving I can subtly

suggest things. Then again, maybe that should be a day where no one talks about

it and we just try to enjoy each other. Let her do her thing (including 's

treatments) and have a nice family gathering.

My niece is doing as well as can be expected. She gets her TOBI and vest every

morning and night. Apparently, the TOBI takes about 40 minutes and the vest

about 30. Then, there's the pulmozyme and the enzymes and the sterilizing and

whatever else they do in their already busy days. I know you all do all of this,

too. Maybe, we're missing something as to how to get it all done and still have

a normal life. My nieces have lots of extra-curricular activities that take lots

of time. I'd hate for them to give up activities that they love just so the one

w/cf can get her treatments done.

I think my niece will do ok. She's certainly getting good care and her parents

never miss a treatment. It's my sister that could use the TLC but from 90+ miles

away it's a bit hard. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Love and good wishes,

Jill