Mum’s illness came up quite quickly. It took weeks for her to see an oncologist. By then, it was too late. Suddenly, Mum was in a hospital bed in her dining room. Nobody we knew had ever been diagnosed with cancer. We were exhausted and angry. I’ve since discovered that’s often what happens to families of cancer patients. Like us, they feel totally abandoned.
The nurses knew exactly how to deal with people like us, who simply didn’t have a clue. They didn’t talk about Mum dying at first. Marina assigned us tasks. My sister became Chief Nurse. My other sister was in charge of Dad. Making sure he had his home comforts and his bed. And that he knew Mum was next door.
"We are so glad for their help, compassion and care. Nothing was too much trouble."
They helped with Mum’s medication and care. They advised on ‘what to expect’. Although we didn’t want to hear those words, their knowledge was incredible. I still can’t believe that we got such amazing help. I can’t imagine what would have happened without it. Mum was such a happy family person, amazing with her grandchildren and us girls. Being cared for at home made us feel like we still had her.
My Mum might have died at home in a horrible and distressing way. In the end, with help from Marina and her team, although she was non-operable and too weak for treatment, unable to eat or barely drink, our mum – dad’s wife, and best friend – passed away peacefully at home.
Sue
Jenny died peacefully at home on 25th July 2022.