While she is in the hospital, your Mom will be well taken care of. You and your Mom will need the most help when your Mom returns home. Can your family members stagger their visits so that you can continue your classes? Ask that each one take a week to be with your Mom at her home. By the third or fourth week, things will have improved and the pressure wil be off you somewhat. I also think your Mom will have a visiting nurse come to her home twice a week for 4 to 6 weeks. The nurse will teach each person what they will be doing to help your Mom.

Family members need to know that this is not going to be a cheery visit but a week when they will be making a huge contribution to both you and your Mom. It is the ultimate gift! Most patients having this surgery do not enjoy visits to the hospital by well-meaning friends and family.

Since you have taken on the roll as your Mom's advocate, please delegate some of her home care to the others in the family. Caregiving is a huge job. See if you can lighten the load by enlisting family to really step up and help. They can prepare meals for you, too. You have to take care of yourself now, too.

If this does not work out, as a last straw you might consider taking an incomplete for this semester and return to school in the fall.

Don't be afraid to tell family that you need them now and they have to help. You cannot do this alone. I know you will work this out. Your Mom is lucky to have you in her corner.

My best to you�
Anita