Hello Fiona and may I be the first to welcome to this great site Just like you I had lurked for quite a while before I ventured into posting (a bit like being afraid to step into the water!). I,m sure you have now found, as I have, that there are many wonderful, supportive and friendly people here. There seems to be a common human, caring and dignified fraternity who share this site, and I am particularly grateful that I found it. Be assured that you will get great advice regarding your poor mother's illness from other, more knowledgeable, contributers than me. I,m sure they will be along shortly.
Keep positive and cheerful (especially when you are with your mother).
Regards
John
