Hi B,
What a horrible experience but you and Brian sound like strong people and you will get through this. You will be surprised how quickly you will pick up the nursing care and most home care agencies will give you written instruction sheets to reinforce the teaching. They also have after hours phone triage in case you have to call them at night, which happens.

While he is in the rehab facility I would suggest you start learning the trach care and any other care he will need as that makes it more familiar when you get home, and an easier transition. It may be trial and error with the pain patch - it is fentanyl? If so they start at low doses and go up as needed.

Best of luck, you will both be in our thoughts.
Regards JoAnne