Hospice News

Patient & Carer Stories

"We really appreciated the nurses being honest with us about Dad's condition. They cared for him and treated him with respect and dignity right up until his last moments."

Lez was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2020. We spoke to his daughter Rachel about her family's experience of supporting a family member with a cancer diagnosis, and how the Hospice helped.

"Mum and Dad had always been very open with each other when it came to their health so when Dad told Mum he'd been needing to go to the bathroom more regularly, they went to the Doctor's together. When Dad got the prostate cancer diagnosis, he had a very positive outlook and reassured us that he wasn't going anywhere." says Rachel.

The Doctors were optimistic about Lez's diagnosis and started him on hormone replacement medication to help manage the cancer. Lez was 80 at the time, and due to his age, he couldn't have his prostate removed completely, but this medication remained effective for three years.

"Dad had regular check ups over the years and during this time he lived life to the full. He went away on holidays with Mum, day trips with the whole family and carried on gardening which he had always loved."

After a holiday to Canada in July 2023, a routine blood test showed some irregular results. Lez was told that the medication had stopped working and that the cancer had spread to his liver. The family were informed that the cancer was now terminal, but chemotherapy would help to prolong his life.

"Dad had 11 rounds of chemotherapy and luckily had very few side effects which meant that he could carry on with life as normally as possible. In September 2024, Mum and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. It was a huge milestone and will always be a treasured memory."

Shortly after their anniversary, the chemotherapy became ineffective, and Lez's health began to deteriorate. Doctors let Lez and his family know that St Peter's would be there to support them when they needed it.

Rachel says, "When we first contacted St Peter's through the Advice Line, we would ask questions about Dad's health and the nurses on the other end of the phone would always be there to reassure us. They were friendly voices to talk to and we loved how they would refer to our Dad simply as Dad. Small touches like this made us feel as if they knew him and it was really comforting during a difficult time. We never felt stupid for calling and asking questions, especially as at times we felt so lonely and scared."

After a fall on Christmas Eve, Lez's wife Wendy and her family felt they needed some support for Lez and alongside Sirona care, our Hospice at Home nurses stepped in to provide support for Lez and his family. Lez had always wished to be cared for at home and with thanks to the care teams, they were able to make it possible.

"The nurses from St Peter's not only made sure that Dad was as comfortable as possible, but they also provided emotional support for Mum, my sister Charlotte and me. It was as if they were a part of our family."

"We really appreciated the nurses being honest with us about Dad's condition. They cared for him and treated him with respect and dignity right up until his last moments and we will forever be grateful for the support they gave us as a family."

Advice 24/7

We're here for you as early as you need us to be. Anyone living with a progressive, life-limiting illness (or their carer) can call our Advice Line, even if the patient is not currently under our care. Specialist Nurses are on hand to answer your questions in a friendly, non-judgemental way and can suggest next steps. Call: 0117 915 9430