Andrea,
Am here and in similar position to your mom.
Have done, and am still doing, the whole 'brave thing' for my kids, both of whom are away--have just amnaged a transatlantic trip to make sure my daughter saw me 'looking well', probably for a last time.
Cry when you need to, you can bet your mom will cry sometimes--but not when you're there, if she can help it! It's just what we do as moms!
We LOVE you to bits, and want you to know how much, a mother's love is the most powerful in the world, but we don't want you to see us suffering.
Andrea--hang in there and keep visiting the site--we are all here for you AND your mom--and the relationship between you!

Brenda x