Herc, what chooses do you have other then to accept that when the ones we so love and care about are suffering, that we're going to suffer too.
These feelings are going to pass and you're quite capable of breathing through a good many preventative attacks; though some will simply catch us by surprise, and this is all ok. Please don't get down on yourself!
This is precisely where your courage will come in; Utilize it; You have what it takes and please keep honoring and permitting your self-care and worth, as this will allow you too, to be there for your Mom in this time of her need.
So it's time to breath and balance your actions, and breathe and balance, ......and breath some more, ......and love and care about each one of you, and practice breathing techniques in almost immediate response to signs of exhaustion, fear, worry, or dread. The beauty of breathing is that there doesn't have to be any set limitations on it, it can be done throughout the day.
Just don't do what I did yesterday evening. I walked off prior to some meeting I was to attend with my husband, looking for a cushion chair in the other room to breath and meditate upon. I found myself a couch and apparently in addition to practicing breathing and meditation, I fell asleep upon the couch. Woke up 4hrs. later, after midnight, with all the lights out in this church and the doors secured and security in place. Walked about 20+ feet when the whole church sounded over and over again: "You're in violation of trespassing, the police have been notified, please leave immediately." Omg, did conscious breathing ever rescue me through this waiting while someone showed up. (LOL)
Anyhow, hope this makes you smile some and please know these feelings will pass and sometiimes more readily with vents just as you've done.
Well done. And, keep on caring and loving.
Will be wishing the very best for your Mom's recovery.
Please take care, Herc.
Sincerely,
Hope