Inspirational Stories

From the Heart

The following was “hot-penned” by Sam’s wife in response to the work of the Hospice in the Community. She was happy to be able to tell her story, but asked that we kept her details anonymous.

“With the diagnosis of cancer – terminal wasn’t mentioned – we thought of hope and a miracle. My husband had cancer of the pancreas. At first, appointments, visitors and short outings kept us buoyed, Sam wanted to remain at home and I gladly agreed.

However, his physical strength and energy were slowly ebbing away. When he had a fall, I needed assistance to help him up. Eventually, I contact the Hospice. It was a real relief to pass some of the responsibility of care-giving onto someone else. A Community Nurse called on us and made helpful suggestions for practical nursing and answered our questions. I was given a 24 hour telephone number to contact Hospice for help.

As time went on, incontinence became a problem. I bought special adult padded underpants at $12.50 to cope with this. The budget was being stretched already. No problem. One of the nurses left some packets at our place on her way home from work. In the event of an emergency (bleeding) – medications were boxed and given, to be used by a medic, if called out.

Ten days before Sam passed away, the time had come for professional nursing care and I tearfully admitted him to the Hospice. Once again, a feeling of relief. I could now have quality time with my husband and not be “running ragged”. I will never forget his arrival at the Hospice. A wheelchair waiting, several nurses at the entrance, and his room ready. Even a picture of the sea and his name on the door. He was given choices for dinner and also enjoyed a glass of wine. His physical needs diminished as the days went by and I was beside him when he took his last breath.

The Family Support Team at Hospice may have finished with Sam, but not with me! Volunteers give freely of their skills from gardening to relaxing massage. I was offered grief counselling and life coaching.

My life is still being put together with the wonderful help of the Hospice

I cannot praise them highly enough”