Thank you for the update, Kathleen. It is good to hear how well your mum came through her surgery. I will offer an unqualified YES to the question about expecting too much too soon. As far as the depression, I think you need to have a conference with her doctor about that. I did not experience any, but my middle name should be Merry Sunshine, so that is no guide. However, I think your mum is a prime candidate for some anti-depressants. Negative thinking is self-defeating. She needs to be able to see how far she has come, and celebrate each little bit of progress. It was several weeks before I could take anything by mouth, so it is quite wondeful that she could get ice cream down. Good for her! You really have your hands full, Kathleen. This is another situation where it is much harder on the caregiver and family than the patient. From what you have written, it seems to me your mum is doing extremely well, so please try not to let her negative attitude affect yours. She will feel better in time. I don't know her age, but you realize, I am sure, that the older the patient is, the longer it will take to heal. Your mum is lucky to have such a caring daughter.
Joanna