Mum has stage 4 cancer- Should I go back to uni?

Hello. I'm 19 years old and about to go into my second year of uni. My mum has just been diagnosed with stage four liver/bowel cancer and I'm not sure if I should go back to uni this year. My uni is only an hour and a half away from home, but Im worried that if I go back I won't be spending valuable time with my mum correctly. My parents have put emphasis on how important it is to keep studying, but I just don't think im going to be able to focus as well I know I can. I'm so scared about the idea of wasting time away from my mum. I have already signed my tenancy for next years accommodation, and paid my first months rent. It's going to be a big financial burden if I don't go, but im not sure if that matters in the grand scheme of things. Im just not sure what to do.

Parents
  • Be guided by what your mum wants. It's the way to make her happiest. As you say you will only be an hour and a half away, so can potentially do lots of weekend visits. You might have to take some time out later in the year or apply for exemptions if you find that your home situation is impacting on your work. Make sure you flag this up to your Uni at the start of the new year and take whatever support your Uni is able to offer in terms of course adjustments etc.

    If you do find studying impossible you might have to take time out, but hopefully that won't be the case.

    If your mum had expressed a wish for you to be home, my opinion might be different.

    Sorry you are having to deal with this. Try to focus on making your mum as happy as possible, which means trying to calm your mind and crack on with the studying. This may actually be less pressure on her as she may feel fatigued with illness and not always want to have to try and be at her best for you. Fortnightly or monthly visits might be easier. Be guided by her energy levels and wishes.

    Uni terms are actually quite short. And there should be psychological and other support available to you, plus some allowance in terms of making extra visits home if needed. 

    Others on here might offer a different opinion. I actually had to repeat a year at Uni because of illness (mine rather than someone else's). So, if it is impossible for you to continue you will have to take time out. But, actually having something to distract you, may shield you a little. And I suspect that is also something your mother wants. She both wants to know she isn't holding you back, protect your from seeing her ill, and see you flourish at Uni. I think she will take great pleasure from that.

Reply
  • Be guided by what your mum wants. It's the way to make her happiest. As you say you will only be an hour and a half away, so can potentially do lots of weekend visits. You might have to take some time out later in the year or apply for exemptions if you find that your home situation is impacting on your work. Make sure you flag this up to your Uni at the start of the new year and take whatever support your Uni is able to offer in terms of course adjustments etc.

    If you do find studying impossible you might have to take time out, but hopefully that won't be the case.

    If your mum had expressed a wish for you to be home, my opinion might be different.

    Sorry you are having to deal with this. Try to focus on making your mum as happy as possible, which means trying to calm your mind and crack on with the studying. This may actually be less pressure on her as she may feel fatigued with illness and not always want to have to try and be at her best for you. Fortnightly or monthly visits might be easier. Be guided by her energy levels and wishes.

    Uni terms are actually quite short. And there should be psychological and other support available to you, plus some allowance in terms of making extra visits home if needed. 

    Others on here might offer a different opinion. I actually had to repeat a year at Uni because of illness (mine rather than someone else's). So, if it is impossible for you to continue you will have to take time out. But, actually having something to distract you, may shield you a little. And I suspect that is also something your mother wants. She both wants to know she isn't holding you back, protect your from seeing her ill, and see you flourish at Uni. I think she will take great pleasure from that.

Children
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