Joyce's wellbeing story

A stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis and learning to live well

“In April 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes in my chest and my spine and pelvis. I was having palliative chemotherapy and immunotherapy every three weeks.

I’ve now been stable, with no new tumours, for about a year, which is amazing.

Unfortunately, I had to stop treatment for six months after I had a heart attack in February. Then my liver became inflamed because of the statins I needed to take for my heart condition. It was a stressful time but, fortunately, I’ve now been able to restart the immunotherapy.

I’m now feeling the best I’ve felt for a long time, apart from a severe balance problem that I’ve had for just over a year. It is the most debilitating part of my illness because it affects my daily life and has stopped me from dancing, which is something I’ve done all my life, even while having chemotherapy.”

Self-referral to Farleigh Hospice

“I attend a support group in Writtle for people living with lung cancer. During one of the meetings, we had a talk from Emily, the specialist physiotherapist at Farleigh Hospice. I used to work in social care and volunteered for Farleigh many years ago, but I didn’t realise the hospice offered such a wide range of wellbeing support alongside its palliative and end of life care.

Emily explained that people can self-refer to Farleigh, so I completed the online form, which was very straightforward. Soon afterwards, I received a call from Farleigh to discuss how the hospice could help me.

As my health is stable at the moment, we agreed that I would benefit most from Farleigh’s wellbeing service, which is helping me through complementary therapies, exercise classes and the Living Well Programme support group.”

Finding comfort through holistic wellbeing support

“I’m very positive in my outlook. I try to keep as well as I can, enjoy my life and make the most of every day. I had already tried complementary therapies and found that reflexology and massage are important for my wellbeing because they help me relax and get into the right headspace.

When I first started chemotherapy, I organised some reiki myself before each session and found it really helped with the treatment.

Farleigh arranged some sessions at the hospice with Ruth, the complementary therapist and wellbeing coordinator. I can understand why some people might feel apprehensive about visiting a hospice, but Farleigh has a serene and inviting atmosphere that I found very reassuring. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience different holistic therapies, which were all very relaxing.”

Returning to exercise after cancer treatment

“I also attended a seated Pilates class at the hospice for several weeks, which was a great way to return to exercise after I had to stop dancing.

The instructor is very professional and adapts the exercises to suit everyone’s abilities. Because the class is seated, you might think the movements wouldn’t achieve much, but it has helped me regain some strength and improve my core stability and posture, which had been affected by my balance problems. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes.”

Living Well Programme: Practical support for people with life-limiting illnesses

“I’ve found Farleigh’s weekly Living Well support group incredibly worthwhile. It’s good to meet other people in a similar situation because we have a shared understanding. I’ve even made a good friend through the group.

Each session focuses on a different topic and provides practical advice to help us continue living well despite our health problems.”

Managing cancer-related fatigue and conserving energy

“One session that really stood out for me focused on fatigue and was led by Farleigh’s occupational therapist. Chemotherapy can be really tiring, so I found the advice both useful and reassuring.

We were encouraged to think of our energy levels like a phone battery that never fully recharges. It helped me to accept that some days I might be able to do a lot but, on other days, I may be completely wiped out. I need to pace myself, listen to my body and accept that I cannot do everything, so will have to rely more on Paul to do the shopping and housework.

We were also told about practical aids that can help with daily tasks like showering and washing your hair, which I may want to use in the future.”

Future planning and end-of-life conversations

“Another session focused on future planning, including organising your funeral and writing your will. These can be difficult conversations to have with loved ones. I already had some plans in place, so my family will have less to worry about when I die, but the session made it easier to talk to Paul about the future.”

Living your best life with hospice support

“I’ve accepted that I have cancer and the most important thing for me now is living my best life and making memories with my loved ones, including my four grandsons. Farleigh’s wellbeing support has been invaluable in helping me stay well, so I can make the most of this time, and prepare for the future.

I would tell anyone else with a life-limiting condition to contact Farleigh now, so you can benefit from this fantastic support too.”

This is hospice care

Joyce’s experience shows that hospice care is not only about medical treatment but about helping people live well in every sense, physically, emotionally and practically, even after a life-limiting diagnosis.

From complementary therapies and exercise classes to support with planning ahead and future conversations, this care is only possible because of the generosity of our community.

Leave a gift in your will to support Farleigh Hospice

Gifts left in Wills play a vital role in making sure Farleigh Hospice can continue to offer this kind of support to local people and families, not just now but for future generations too.