She did stop talking to her mum for 2 months earlier this year, wrote her a harsh, but true, 'dear John' letter. Then mum coaxed her back by telling us she had cancer, and because we didn't know if it was true or not, decided we had to encourage SD to speak to her mum again. She did, but since then has only seen her twice and spoken to her on the phone 3 times, since July. Mum didn't have cancer at all, but treatment for a dodgy pap smear (pre-cancerous cells were found, a common occurrence and something I've had myself, twice!). She felt duped into speaking to her mum again, unsurprisingly, and it's the depth of manipulation that an alcoholic will go to that is astounding! So, I think this time it's been an easier decision for her to make. We are wondering what mum's next illness will be!!!