The Breaking, Bonding, and Forming of My Social Support Team

Charlene Marshall avatar

by Charlene Marshall |

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younger than 30

Upon being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I predicted that many of my relationships would change. What I didn’t know, which might have been the scariest of all the “unknowns,” was how those relationships would change.

I often wondered: Will my relationships with my parents get stronger? Will friendships fall apart because of what this illness will bring? It was difficult to cope with not knowing who would remain in my life and who might shy away after finding out about my fatal lung disease. Looking back, I wish I didn’t invest so much emotional anguish into the unknown.

Relationships have certainly changed since my diagnosis, but most of them have actually changed for the better. I’ve been thinking a lot about this after spending more quality time with my parents than ever before. I was very independent after moving away from home for university without ever really looking back. As a result, my relationship with my parents (particularly with my mom) grew into more of a friendship. We became comfortable with this relationship, so when IPF thrust me into the position of needing her again, we both struggled. However, that has now changed due to my care strategy and having lived with this arrangement for three years now.

My mom and I now spend time together doing things that intentionally build memories. We recognize the importance of this since she is getting older and I am approaching my third year with a life-threatening condition. If you live in the world of IPF, you’ve likely read that the prognosis of this disease is three to five years. However, I intend to outlive that statistic and believe that it is likely an outdated prognosis. That said, I can’t help but think about all the things I still want to do in my life, including the memories I want to make with my mom. Thankfully, we’re well on the way to doing that.

I have opened her eyes to my love of traveling through a trip we made to New York City this past December. We also have been actively working on checking off items from my bucket list — we’ve attended concerts and talk shows that we both wanted to see. My relationship with my mom has certainly changed for the better since my IPF diagnosis, though I wasn’t sure it would when I was first diagnosed. It has taken us both some time to get to this place of acceptance and memory-making.

Despite the relationship with my parents changing for the better, that hasn’t been the case for all relationships in my life. Some friends have strayed from me since my diagnosis. I can only assume the news of my shortened lifespan was too difficult for them. I have also had friends jump intensely into the role of caregiver for me but then step back because they quickly became overwhelmed. Regardless, I appreciate their support and believe we fell into the roles we did (caregiver and cared-for) because we didn’t know what else to do with the news of my IPF diagnosis.

No one was wrong in doing this, but it did, sadly, affect some friendships — many of which no longer exist. That’s OK, though. I have no hurt feelings anymore and believe we just did the best we could with the news of my diagnosis.

It is inevitable that relationships will change following an IPF diagnosis. However, I never really considered the process that relationships go through after such difficult news. I think it is similar to Bruce Tuckman’s team formation model, which details the stages a duo or team must go through before successfully working together. This has certainly been true of the many relationships I have with people since my diagnosis. According to the team formation model, it initially seemed as though we were “storming,” and now I think I am “performing” with the relationships that have remained strong since my diagnosis.

How have your relationships changed since your diagnosis? Where is your caregiving group in the team formation model?

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Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.

Comments

Carmela avatar

Carmela

Bingo---I never thought about the impact of the diagnosis on relationships in 2016 when I was diagnosed. Three years later, i can say OMG what an impact! Most relationships/friendships have ended. I am on oxygen 24/7 and people react differently and strangely toward me. I assume it's the cannula; I certainly don't look the same.Whatever the experience, the disease has a definite impact on relationships/friendships. I guess it's just one of those unintended outcomes in life. Fortunately, we have these forums to exchange ideas, tell our stories, reach out for help, and support each other.

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Carmela,

Thanks so much for reading my columns and getting in touch via the comments. I always appreciate hearing from others, and glad this column resonated with you. While I wish we didn't have to deal with this, I worried my column wasn't clear what I was trying to convey or that others didn't share in this same experience. There is comfort that comes from others understanding, isn't there? I only recently reflected on the impact of my diagnosis, and how things changed over the past few years and like you, I had a sudden realization that there was indeed a big impact. What has been illuminated for me though, is the true friends who have stuck by throughout all of it. For this, I am thankful. Thanks again for writing, I really appreciate your willingness to connect on this topic and know you're not alone.

Warm regards,
Charlene.

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Jan R avatar

Jan R

I found that my ability to be open and upbeat about the prognosis has actually increased the depth of most my relationships. The caveat to this is that only my long term friends are willing to go far out of their way to help. I have friends that have traveled from out of my state to care for me so my husband can get a much needed timeout to go skllng for a week . The others are good about spending time for coffee and conversation. Even if it's by phone and email.

I am pretty much home bound at this time and they have to come to me, a few do, but many have dropped away. They seem to be too busy to fit in someone that cannot join in on activities. I wish I could say that wasn't me in the past but since it was, I can understand how that happens. Now I treasure the ones that stayed and try to keep in touch with the others on a more limited basis.

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Jan,

Thanks so much for reading my columns and connecting via the comments. I'm really glad to hear that your being upbeat about the prognosis has increased the depth of your relationships! It sounds like you have really special friends, the ones that stick closeby and come visit your home :) This is a "gift" I think IPF has brought me, seeing the true friendships that will withstand the test of turmoil and time. Really glad you have those ones to treasure, as you say. Thanks for sharing!
Charlene.

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Steven avatar

Steven

Thank you for your open honesty, Charlene. You are an inspiration to everyone on the PF forums... - Steve

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

As are you, thank you so much for your kind words Steve. So glad our paths crossed on the forums, thank you for everything you do for myself and others in our online community!
Charlene.

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Carmela avatar

Carmela

hi Charlene, I agree w/Steve. These forums are an inspiration and a place for us to "vent" what we're experiencing. I've been reading your articles for over a year; I don't usually comment but yesterday's article really triggered my reactions. I'm in my 70s, and feel so badly for you afflicted at such an early age. The power and wisdom of your courage help all of us! Than you.

Regards, Carmela

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Carmela,

Thanks so much for getting back in touch with me, and for your kind words. I never imagined being in this role, especially facilitating conversations with people who have a chronic lung disease like I do, but I really feel so privileged to be in touch with so many wonderful people. I am inspired daily by stories of strength, inspiration and hope from others... how many people can say that? I am so lucky! I'm so glad, and thankful, that you've been reading my columns and hopefully they give you a sense of feeling less alone. Writing has been to therapeutic for me, and knowing others understand what I write about is so comforting. I just hope we all live long enough to see a cure for this cruel disease! Thank you so much for your kind words again, I am so grateful and glad to be able to help. Warmest regards,
Charlene.

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