Annie's story

Annie, aged 50, has been married to husband, Paul, for 25 years. They have a daughter, Charlotte, who is 23, and a dog called Teddy.

Annie has always worked in both finance and primary educational settings, including holding the very honourable positions of Parent then Staff Governor on the school Governing Body which she thoroughly enjoyed. She likes detail and feeling in control of life.

Annie was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2016. She explains how Farleigh’s specialist care has improved her quality of life and helps her to continue doing the normal things she enjoys throughout her treatment.

“I have Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer which has spread to my bones and lungs. I am currently being cared for in Farleigh Hospice’s Inpatient Unit (IPU), following two weeks in hospital.

Farleigh has been supporting me for approximately seven years. When I was first referred, I had the ‘usual’ thoughts about hospice care. I expected it to be all about end of life and doom and gloom, but Farleigh has absolutely proved me wrong.

Personalised Clinical Care and Nurse Specialist Support

Farleigh’s care is very personal and responsive. They have the specialist knowledge that is needed to bridge the gaps in my care, liaising with my doctor and oncologist about my prescriptions and medications.

Mary, my clinical nurse specialist (CNS), really knows me, my family support network and my medical history. She checks in on me regularly and always does what she says she will do. This is hugely important when you are unwell, as there is nothing worse than not knowing what is going on with your treatment.

If I have a problem, it is reassuring that my husband, Paul, and I can also call the hospice’s clinical advice line and speak to somebody who can help or will call us back with the information we need.

Pain management in our Inpatient Unit (IPU)

The main focus of my stay in the IPU is for pain management and symptom control. I experience chronic pain and I feel ill and cannot sleep, which is physically and emotionally exhausting.

My pain is extremely complex and Farleigh has tried a plethora of different medications over the years. The IPU is a safe and controlled environment where they can adjust the medication and monitor what works and what does not.

Whilst we have been able to improve the pain, we have not been able to cure it yet – honestly, they have tried absolutely everything to help me.

Emotional wellbeing, counselling and complementary therapies

Farleigh takes a holistic approach to my health, providing specialist medical care and also supporting my overall wellbeing with counselling over the phone and complementary therapies.

I have had some reflexology sessions (a type of massage that applies gentle pressure to feet) which Farleigh arranged in my home, when I was not well enough to travel. This was totally new to me and I really enjoyed it. The therapist used a blend of massage oils based on my preferences and it gave me half an hour of relaxation away from my thoughts. I would definitely recommend it as a way to relieve pain, aid sleep and calm a busy mind.

Maintaining control, routine and family connections

This is the second time that I have stayed in the IPU. It is a very welcoming and caring environment and the staff are incredibly dedicated and very hard-working. They really do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and give you the best experience.

Farleigh understands that, when you are staying in the IPU, you obviously miss your family, your pets and your routines. It is important to keep those connections going to keep life as normal as possible.

My husband has been bringing our dog, Teddy, in to see me, which is lovely for me and also for him, as he is not used to being without his mum.

My oldest and dearest friend Anna, kindly arranged for her lovely and very talented friend Jess to come to the IPU to paint my nails which was a nice treat. I like to have my nails and hair done, as it can be a little bit of brightness in the dark days. Self-care is really important as it makes life feel normal and if you look good, you feel good mentally, physically and emotionally. It is something that I did before I got ill, so it is also about keeping control and a routine.

Occupational therapy support for independent living

My health is being assessed on a daily basis and, once my pain has improved, I plan to return home.

Farleigh’s occupational therapy team have carried out an assessment of our house and got me some handrails so I can keep using the stairs. This has helped me to continue to lead as normal life as possible, without having to consider moving to a purpose-made bungalow.

Celebrating milestones with Farleigh Hospice’s support

Our beautiful daughter, Charlotte, is getting married to her fiancé James on 21^st September this year, which I am very thrilled about and delighted to be able to attend.

I would encourage anyone with similar health problems to not be frightened and to reach out to Farleigh for help.  They understand that each patient has their own individual needs and they have the expertise and a whole range of resources to help you and your family.”