Jennifer, I suspect every caregiver, especially those who are close family, will admit to having been in the same circumstance. Mike's wife explained it very well. I know that pain, drugs, fear and losing control of your life can push an ill person to the limit of emotional control. As a caregiver, you have to be very strong and emotionally centered to deal with this- it's not easy, but it is doable. What can you do to help her? Learn to listen quickly to what is happening at a particular time- ie- is she in pain? Is she experiencing a new side effect? Did something go really wrong with her day? You might try to get her to talk about how she is feeling [altho that might be very emotional for you] I know this is hard on you because Moms are supposed to comfort their kids- not the other way around. You are gonna need to be very grown up while she deals with this. Amy