Lisa’s story

Lisa’s Mum Ada was cared for by Hospice at Home West Cumbria after receiving a palliative diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lisa said:

Mum was losing a bit of weight and then started to get pain in her shoulder. An appointment was booked at her GP and Mum went through some tests which gave her a diagnosis no family wants to hear - she had cancer in her lung. She was approved for surgery to take half her lung and have a rib reconstruction, but the surgeon expressed concerns to carry out the surgery due to Mum’s low body weight.

Due to Ada’s incredible attitude and determination to fight, she persuaded the surgeons that she was fit and well enough to have the surgery.

Lisa continued:

Mum was such a strong individual, once the surgeon had completed the surgery she was taken to intensive care where she went from strength to strength, and in March 2017 she was back home just five days after surgery. My brother was due to get married in Crete in September of that year and she was determined to be there to celebrate with us all. She underwent chemotherapy and as promised, flew out with us to witness her son get married. It’s a memory we all cherish.

Ada remained in remission for two years before the neck pain came back. She was sent for a scan and was told that the cancer had returned. Ada started radiotherapy at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, but after her second session she contracted sepsis. She ended up back in West Cumberland hospital where she started to deteriorate and that’s when the family decided to bring Ada home to live the rest of her life with loved ones around her. Lisa alongside the whole family decided they wanted to help care for and support Ada, Lisa supported by her family carried out her mum’s personal care alongside nurses, carers and Hospice at home until the end of her life.

Ada was referred to Hospice at Home West Cumbria soon after her cancer had returned, which meant she was able to build social relationships with the nurses, with them coming for tea and cake. She received complementary therapies, including Reiki, from the family and bereavement team, and Lisa fondly remembers her mum saying she felt so ‘zen’ after every session.

Lisa received anticipatory bereavement support and Lisa and her Mum were given sunflower cushions that smelt of lavender. It had a pocket in the back of them to place a picture, which made them feel connected when they couldn’t be together.

Lisa continues:

Hospice at Home West Cumbria came in to relieve the family at night and that respite was a God send. My family and I cared for my Mum with the help of the nurses for 12 months, and I can honestly say that her end of life could not have been more beautiful, it was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better.

After experiencing such an emotional and personal journey supporting her Mum when she needed it most, Lisa gladly accepted bereavement support from Hospice at Home West Cumbria to help her through her loss. Lisa decided she wanted to work in end of life care as a profession. She has trained hard and completed end of life training, working full time in A&E and progressing in her career path. She is now working alongside Hospice at Home West Cumbria staff, helping people in the local community.

Speaking about her experience with Hospice at Home West Cumbria Lisa says:

I felt so comfortable with the nurses and healthcare staff because they are so experienced in all palliative and end of life care and deliver the service with such passion. It takes the pressure off and it is amazing how kind and caring everyone is, you only get one chance to get it right and you did. Thank you.