Catherine’s mum Selina was first diagnosed with cartilage cancer in her spine in 2011, and she underwent surgery to remove one of her ribs to reconstruct her spine. The surgery was a success and after the procedure, Selina’s determination and drive meant she learned to walk again and remained in remission for 12 years.
In September 2023 Selina noticed a mass on her stomach and contacted the doctor. She was referred for a scan and biopsies, but no diagnosis was given. With no other symptoms and without a diagnosis Selina continued to live her life until an unfortunate accident in January 2024 where she had a fall. Due to the fall and the spine surgery that she had back in 2011, doctors referred her for a scan at hospital where they confirmed that cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and colon. At this point Selina was given a palliative diagnosis and started the conversations with her family about her wishes - she wanted to be at home surrounded by her loved ones and things which were important to her.
By August 2024, Selina had become bed bound and was receiving support from Hospice at Home West Cumbria’s nursing team, Catherine recalls:
Leanne, Mum’s nurse, was amazing. She understood Mum and Dad’s humour and each visit lifted Mum’s spirits. The work you do means you get to know the patient, the nurses knew all about Mum and Dad’s relationship and how to talk to Mum. Leanne referred me into the HHWC family bereavement anticipatory grief support and Lorraine supported my Dad to get the respite he didn’t even realise he needed - they called him every day to chat. Through the anticipatory grief meetings I had with Karen she also helped me to support my three young boys, by offering advice and books. This helped us talk to the boys about their Gran dying and showed us how to support them through the grieving process.
As Selina was referred early after her diagnosis it meant that her and her family were able to benefit from all the services Hospice at Home West Cumbria provides.
Catherine continued:
The little touches to make sure the patient is treated with dignity and respect is something we will forever be grateful for. Mum always had her candles on in the house and we knew she was deteriorating so we lit her a candle, her breathing changed and she so beautifully and peacefully died with us by her side. The after care call we received was so personal, ensuring the family were okay. Dad is now having family and bereavement support and is starting to receive complementary therapies. I am nearly finished my one-to-one support and will also be receiving complementary therapies from Hospice at Home West Cumbria. We would just like to thank all the amazing staff that made Mum’s ending so peaceful, and to everyone helping to support our family coming to terms with the loss of our incredible Mum.
Thank you to Catherine and her family for sharing their story and helping to raise awareness around the services we provide for patients and their families living in West Cumbria.
