Some two years ago I wrote the following post abut my feelings on the vexed subject of funding of dementia and cancer
Now two years on I find that my thoughts at that time have not changed .
Being personally involved with my wife's Alzheimer's and my continued membership of TP I have a very good knowledge of the traumatic experiences of so many people who write on this forum
I still feel for those who suffer in so many ways with the exhausting and never ending need to care for their loved ones- but, as I witnessed during my months in hospital and subsequent treatment at the Macmillan Unit so many of the cancer victims are young people , with many years of fruitful life in front of them if a cure can be found .
jimbo
Posted two years ago--------
" I find the topic of comparing the money spent on cancer or dementia very disturbing
It would be a wonderful world if we could afford to fund research and care for all the major diseases ,and we all have our own views on where the money will be best spent
My anxiety arises out of the comparisons made about the funding and care of cancer and dementia ( in all their forms )
I know that some members of TP also suffer with cancer and dementia , and many carers have relatives and family who have both ,it would be of interest to share their opinions
Whilst I do not expect my views to be accepted by all ,I feel deeply concerned that my views are perhaps disproportionate, and it would help me to understand my attitude
At my age I have seen a fair proportion of people suffering with all manner of illnesses
My wife suffered with Alzheimer’s and died (aged 81 ) four years ago after a long and traumatic illness
As you would imagine I have very strong views on all matters concerned with dementia
In all its forms .Memories I shall hold for the rest of my Life
In the past year I have developed a blood cancer that has completely taken control of my life
I have witnessed many times in the months I spent in hospital and the chemo therapy at home and at the Macmillan unit the affect cancer has on people over an enormous range of ages
To summarise my dilemma in comparing the research funding and care of cancer and dementia
Perhaps a part of my recent experience In both diseases may help
For some 4-6weks of my stay in hospital I was in a small 4 bed ward, opposite me , like something in a tableau were two beds One occupied by a ’young man of 50-52 with a wife and three children who was suffering with cancer of the stomach and was having to wait for treatment and operation
In thhe next bed was an old gentleman ,same age as myself who had a haematology problem , but was in late stages of dementia
He was doubly incontinent, nurses and family struggling everyday feed him, in constant need of attention ( day and night)
It is obvious that with the enormous increase of dementia in the world it is important that research should have a high priority
But my hospital ( and personal experience with Alzheimer’s leaves me with the dilemma
If I had to name the priority which would it be ?????
I have seen so many younger people ( like the man in the bed opposite ) who hopefully will have a worthwhile life in front of them and to enjoy his children and their future
The poor old chap in the next bed can only be treated with so many drugs that he hardly exists
I have lost my own parents ,and all my siblings and I am well aware of the sentiments of ‘still recognising some of the old person ‘ even though their medical and mental condition is beyond rehabilitation
Many of us say to our children God never let me carry on in that state , but hypocritically we do next to nothing to solve that problem ourselves, and leave our loved ones to face the same dilemma
My conclusion is that if a choice had to be made I would opt for the funding to be available to the younger people ,with hopefully a fuller and happier life with their family for many years
Many may disagree with me , and as I read this back I am aware that it is a bit of a ramble
,but the writing of it has helped me to understand my own thoughts
I see no reason why I should have upset members and I hope I have not done so, I also have suffered my own traumas
In fact apart from helping me to understand myself ,I am sure that this post will be read by a few and ’lost’ in a couple of days
jimbo 111