Marian’s Journey - Courage, Comfort and Care at Home

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Marian was given four to eight months to live.

Following the diagnosis, the family soon realised that Marian had been misdiagnosed for some years. Once they got over the initial shock, Marian’s attitude switched to ‘We have a lot to fit in then’ and that is exactly what they did.

Marian and husband Les bought a boat and enjoyed days out until that became too much. They swapped the boat for a car, and then the car for a van big enough to transport the mobility scooter and walking aids.

Adaptions were made to the family home to make it more suitable but as Marian’s condition worsened, her mobility slowly deteriorated. Despite the surgery, appointments and medication, Marian remained determined to look on the bright side.

Marian’s wish was to be cared for at home by the hospice's team during the final months of her life. During this time there were a lot of things that Marian needed, although Les was hands-on he felt that Marian’s needs were more than he could cope with alone. Les was trained by the medical teams involved to use a hoist and syringe driver and was able to support Marian to be comfortable at home.

There were days that Marian struggled to get from the chair to the bed, on these days, Marian stayed in the reclining chair and slept downstairs – where she was comfortable.

This service allowed Marian to be looked after in familiar surroundings, in the comfort of her own home. She was cared for with so much dignity. Nurses, occupational therapists, and the palliative care team cared for her every need, which was no easy feat as she couldn’t do anything for herself.

Marian knew the end was imminent and she didn’t want anyone to be sad. Her final instructions were to hold a garden party at home to raise funds for Beaumond House and to send her ashes skyward in a rocket - a purple rocket to be precise, as this was her favourite colour.

Marian died at home in June 2022, aged 66 years.

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If you’re considering making a donation to the hospice this Christmas, this is a wonderful opportunity to make twice the impact.

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