Greta’s story

Greta came to Dorothy House for symptom control relating to her lung cancer diagnosis. Here she tells her story about her time on the Inpatient Unit:

“My name is Marguerita, but I’m called Greta. I was diagnosed two years ago with lung cancer. I was admitted to the Dorothy House Inpatient Unit nearly a week ago. I felt really low and needed help with symptom control. My husband also has pneumonia, so we were in a bad place and needed support. On top of this my brother died a few days ago.

“I couldn’t have come to a better place for the support they’ve given me, and my whole family.”

Inpatient unit symptom control

“I came under Dorothy House’s care in May of this year. I was at the end of my tether with the local GP and Holly, the nurse specialist, came out to see me. She suggested I come in to the Hospice, but I told her I wasn’t ready for that. She said they were just there to support, not necessarily for your final days. I asked whether I could leave if I wasn’t happy and she said of course I could.

“I’ve used other services at Dorothy House. I’ve been seen by the physio and spent time in the gym with them. I’ve also had reflexology done on my feet. And I’m in love with the jacuzzi!”

You pick what music you like (we had the Beatles this morning) and then the spa lights come on. I felt like a film star surrounded by bubbles!  The food is gorgeous and the way it’s served is beautiful. For lunch today I had pork casserole with apple sauce and delicious potatoes. It’s like a five-star hotel, without the five-star bill!

It’s wonderful my family being able to visit me. When my daughter and sister came, we sat out on the terrace and had lunch in the sun. My kids bring a bottle of wine when they see me!”

Dispelling the myths of Hospice care

“My perception of what a hospice is has completely changed. Before, I only knew it as a place where people went to die, I didn’t know there was care available before that. I don’t think enough people know and understand about end of life care.”

“If you’re referred here you should have no worries whatsoever, you’re in safe hands. I came to Dorothy House for symptom control; not everyone is here for end of life. Coming here has helped me to accept that I will die and have months to live. I’ve actually asked whether I can come here at the end of my life, if they have a bed free. A Dorothy House specialist nurse is now supporting my husband and he may also be coming to stay on the Inpatient Unit.”

Death is a part of life

“As a society we definitely are not good at talking about death and dying. I didn’t want to talk about it but you have to. Now I feel like I can talk about anything, but it probably takes something like this to be able to open up, which is a shame. My children are able to talk about it and encourage me to.”

“I can’t thank everyone at Dorothy House enough. All the staff have been wonderful, they’re so dedicated. Everyone I’ve met, I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

To find out more about Dorothy House’s Inpatient Unit, please visit this page for more details.