Need Advice...

I need some advice, please.

I just started Block 2 of a 4 block nursing program yesterday. My father was diagnosed with extensive small cell inoperable lung cancer back in November. He rec'd two rounds of chemo, tumors shrunk 50%, but now has a new tumor in his lung that is chemo resistant. They are going to try a new chemo. He also had mets to brain (four lesions) and had 20 radiation treatments. 20-30% of people with this type of cancer live one year. His prognosis was 6-10 months from last Nov. Currently he seems to be physically doing OK. I recently found out that I will have to care for him (drive him around to a fro doc appts, stay with him, etc) one to two days per week. My aunt has been taking care of him but it has proven more difficult than she thought and chemo is really taking his strength.

My mother has fallen ill and has not gotten better since Nov 1. She is having some respiratory probs. Spot found on X-ray in lungs, did CT, something on adrenals....adrenal adenoma the doc says.....says she needs another CT in six months. I told her, because she is still sick, get a second opinion. See a pulmonologist, whatever. She hasn't done anything but she is not feeling better. That worries me in light of the fact that she is a longtime heavy smoker and especially with what is going on with my Dad....

In November, I also started a new job at a busy ER in a position that requires lots of learning, learning I am not fully done with. I am still struggling to learn the current computer system there but in March we will convert to a whole new system and I will have to relearn everything. I am still stressed when I go to this new job cuz I don't know everything I should yet. :uhoh21:

My advice................With these conditions, would you try to drop out of Block 2 and return either next semester or the semester after? I am really at a loss as to what to do. I found Block 1 stressful enough with no job (at the time) and my father being healthy. In addition, if my father's time is so limited I would hate to be buried in a book for the rest of his life, you know what I mean? Finally, I know that if I am stressed to the max and especially if my Dad's health rapidly declines, I won't have the "stick with it-ness" to push through my classes. How will I concentrate on studying??

I need advice. I have to do this (drop or decide to stay) within the next few days or I won't get a refund. I don't want to lose a whole semesters $$$.

What would YOU do???

Thank you all!! I appreciate it very much!!