Dear Eric: My brother and I have been estranged for decades, due to consecutive “family incidents” that accumulated, unresolved, over years. Related Articles Advice | Asking Eric: That letter was about me, the beastly wife Advice | Asking Eric: I’m not the bride, but I’ve still been disowned over the guest list Advice | Asking Eric: We’d rather this houseguest not hand-wash the dishes Advice | Asking Eric: This is why I’m glad I stopped giving gifts to my nieces and nephews Advice | Asking Eric: Did I do right by the man who found my wallet? A little over a year ago, I learned through a mutual friend that my brother has an incurable cancer – the kind that is hereditary and would place me at a significantly elevated risk. I immediately booked an appointment with my doctor, which took four months, and then testing that also took months to come back.