The Little Things That Make A Difference

What a beautiful and thoughtful gesture.

Gragon x

Hi hun,

I'm in the same boat as you, I've been refered to palliative care also, but due to cover 19, am yet to meet any one, but I will add that they ring me every week to check on me, I'm hoping I won't need them soon, 

But saying that I wished I rang them instead of my so called emergency number today, but that's by the by,

I can only hope my care team are as good as yours  

Love Max xx

Nicky Nosher Hi Nicky, That was so nice! My GP referred me to our local Marie Curie Hospice within a few months of dx. I was so taken aback and I suppose in denial, I didn't contact them but a few weeks later, they contacted me and a nurse came to visit me at home as I had got home after surgery. Once I had recovered, I was invited to a coffee morning at the Hospice. I didn't tell my family they were also invited as I wasn't sure how I would handle it, let alone the family. As you say, they support you in any way they can to make life better for you. I too had hand/foot syndrome due to the trial drug and they got a specialist Podiatrist to see me, the NHS one and a private one I visited, didn't know quite what to do. I'm so pleased you are in contact with them, once this lockdown is over they have lots of day classes and treatments to help, also councillors. 

My GP originally said he would prefer I met with them before I became very ill because then they could get to know me and know what my wishes for end of life care are. I wish I had gone right away! Enjoy your pamper bag!

Hi Nicky Nosher

That’s a really lovely touch. What an imaginative way to support patients despite the lockdown. 

I was referred to the hospice at my request soon after being diagnosed with incurable cancer. I’ve used day cars services although it was a bit too early for me and felt more like a glimpse of my future than a help. I used their excellent counselling services during the break up of my marriage and that was incredibly helpful. My health was deteriorating at the time and I really needed that help. 

More recently, I have been working with the hospice nurses on pain management. They call me each week to see how I’m getting on with my pain medication and then they talk to the GP so I get the right prescription, 

So as you can see, the hospices provide much more than end of life care. I’d recommend anyone in this group to get in touch with their local hospice sooner rather than later 

xxx

It would be good if the work of hospices was more openly discussed. At lot of people, me included, find it uncomfortable and scary. However the experiences on this forum show how approachable, friendly and practical hospices can be. A good subject for TV programme perhaps? There has probably been one already.

Nicky Nosher, your story was so uplifting - a small gesture, so welcome.

Xx

Hi flowerlady

There has indeed been a series of tv programmes. Last year I think - we had a chat about it in the group at the time

I think it’s a message that’s going to need to be repeated again and again. The hospice movement is based in helping people to live their lives to the full despite facing a life limiting diagnosis. They are not about helping people to die. 

Thanks Daloni

My poor memory!

X

Hi a update from me, 

had a phone call this morning from Dorothy House, they are so friendly and caring, was saying id wish id rung them instead of my emergency number, but she told me I had done the right thing, and as I was feeling better, shed ring me again next week, and hopefully we will get to meet soon, 

Also had a phone call from Ruh, oncology unit as they wanted to know if I was feeling better, (which I am) but it was plain to see they weren't listening to what I said, or was it I couldn't express my self, probably the later lol,.

Love to you all  Max xxx