Its really good that your mum is well, and that she has gone past sept 2011.
Nobody asks to go on this journey, something touches us and we are in it through no fault of our own, thats the sufferer, carers and families.
My wife would tell people she had cancer, if they asked, but I was the only one to know how advanced it was, because I was at all appointments with her and read all the blood tests and scan reports.
She went into hospital on a friday because of fluid retention,( liver failure )and died early the next wednesday, and boy was it a surprise to everyone, even her mother did not know how serious it really was, the most common thing said was "I did not know she was so ill".
So what I am saying is the more honest and upfront this all is, makes the journey a bit easier for those that are left behind.Secrecy for whatever motives is not good. In the long run it can make thigs worse
The uncertainty of whats going to happen and when is a nightmare,it used to get into all of my thoughts.
This cancer business sucks.
Good luck
wombat4