Terry and Sandra’s Story
“Sandra has always been an active and social person we loved travelling together, and retired life was going swimmingly for us until the end of 2021 when we started noticing a difference in Sandra’s cognitive behaviour.
At the beginning of 2022 we had devastating news when Sandra was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and we were told her condition was severe and life-changing.
Sandra began a course of radiotherapy while still maintaining her vibrant and positive self. At this time Sandra’s consultant did not know how much longer she had and I spent many days by Sandra’s hospital bedside with family visiting fearing they were saying goodbye.
But amazingly, Sandra turned a corner and was assessed to be strong enough to go home and this was where the Hospice stepped in and a referral was made upon Sandra’s discharge from Hospital
The Hospice’s Occupational Therapy Team set up a hospital bed downstairs in our home and various pieces of equipment to make it possible for Sandra to be cared for at home.
Over time her conversation, and mobility improved and in May, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with a small party of relatives.
The improvements Sandra made while at home with the support from her family and the Hospice were a credit to her determination. By the time we celebrated her 74th birthday in July, she was able to move back upstairs. The little things like having a shower and sleeping in our own bed that we all take for granted. made a big difference.
With the help from the Hospice’s Physiotherapists we saw daily improvements, particularly in her speech but also with her physical strength. Sandra’s weekly visits to the Wellbeing Centre for massages, chats, coffee and cake also made a real difference.
We know that daily life has changed for us forever, but with the help of the Hospice and support from the Therapies Team Sandra has benefited by seeing a vast improvement in her conversational skills, self-confidence and esteem, mobility and general wellbeing.
We have gone from being told she could be bedridden to her being able to go on an exercise bike for 15 minutes or walk unaided for 100 meters and towards the end of 2022 Sandra was once again performing with her beloved Rock Choir- Terry
