At
the end of last April it was diagnosed that the cancer had returned
yet again and that it was now in the liver and lung. The consultant
thought that Diane might have around six months to live. In the
event, that hoped-for six months became just six weeks.
The
hospital put us in touch with Dorothy House Hospice Care, and
our first contact was with the Nurse Specialist. She was so encouraging
and supportive and we felt so much more secure and safe when she
was with us, and just knowing that she and all the staff at Dorothy
House were there whenever we needed them was a tremendous support
for us.
Over
the first few weeks, our Nurse Specialist visited us a number
of times, answering any questions we might have, and giving us
all the information that we might need, as well as supporting
us emotionally and working in consultation with our own family
doctor.
We
were amazed at just how much help and support there is available,
and our Nurse Specialist was able to put us in touch with those
who could assist us.
We were told about day and night carers that were available as
and when we might need them, but in the first weeks after Diane's
diagnosis I was able, with assistance from family and friends
and with the needed medical support, to meet her needs. But by
the Saturday before her death I knew that I needed more expert
help in order for Diane to have the help and care that she needed.
On that afternoon I asked for help for that night, so that I could
catch up on sleep, and immediately that help was there for us.
Diane
felt safe having the carer with her and I was able to sleep restfully
for the first time in many weeks and so be more able to care for
Diane the next day.
We
continued with carers at night for a few more days, and then by
the early hours of the Wednesday morning I knew we needed constant
care here for Diane, and immediately it was set in place and we
were not left alone again.
Diane
passed away very peacefully in the early hours of the Thursday
morning, with myself and our little girl by her side, along with
my brother and his wife and our carer.
Having
the folk of Dorothy House with us, and all their resources available
to us, made it possible for Diane to be here at home, which is
what she and I so wanted. The love and support given to us was
overwhelming really, and I never dreamt that such care was available.
Each person we have come in contact with from Dorothy House has
felt like part of our family; we felt loved and cared for by them
all and we have felt safe in their hands.
I
will be always grateful for the work of Dorothy House Hospice
at Home. It is a remarkable service carried out by remarkable
people. That care has not ended with Diane's passing: it is now
seven months on and still that care continues for myself and my
10-year-old daughter as we may have need.
Hospice
at Home cares for the whole family and is able to meet whatever
needs there are in a gentle, loving and tender way.
