I understand the desire to be there for every moment that your husband has left. I think that is perfectly natural. At the same time I think you may find that going back to work, possibly even just part time is helpful for more than just the money. As I’m sure you know, it’s going to get harder from here. It is going to be brutal to watch. You might find that going to work for a few hours a day was a bit of a mental break from facing the reality of what is happening to your family. It might help to have a few hours where you have to focus on something else. I think it would be really hard to be home full time at this point in his illness. It might feel like waiting for the worst when you’re not actually there yet.

Whatever you decide, you do need to talk to your supervisor as soon as possible. They have done what they can for you by granting you the three month leave. If you are unable to come back to work I am sure they will understand but they will also need to rehire your position. Give them as much notice as you can. Talk to them – it might be possible to go back at less than fulltime which would give you more time with your husband. I am sure you don’t want to think about what happens after, but think about it a little now, while it’s off in the distance a ways. You are going to need to be able to support yourself. You are going to need to be in a community so you are not alone. You’re going to need something to fill your days with. Your job might be exactly what you need to hang on to, not something to let go.