William Smith - Patient

“The Drop In sessions have been great for me as it gets me out of the house, and I can discuss any problems with the staff and volunteers. I would definitely recommend these sessions to anyone that is in a similar position to myself. ”

"During October 2018 I was having some difficulty in breathing. A lesion was found at the top of the Colon which was diagnosed as Cancer. Needless to say I was very upset and angry that I had Cancer. I was worried about my wife who has Dementia and how was she going to react to the news, sadly it did not register with her due to her condition. Now I have realised it was a blessing in disguise as she did not realise the problems I would have.

After surgery to have the lesion removed I was placed on Chemotherapy for 12 weeks and I had regular scans to ensure all was OK after the course was completed. After around 5 years, a scan showed some growth in the bowel so I was placed on chemotherapy for a 12 week course, which unfortunately had no effect on the growth. I then started to find difficulty in breathing and walking so was sent for X-ray and scan where they found that the chemotherapy was attacking scar tissue in my lungs from double Pneumonia that I had 2 years previously. It was diagnosed as Pneumonitis. I was admitted and placed on Oxygen 24/7 for 6 days.

The surgeon called after I was discharged and said that no more chemotherapy would be offered as it was doing more harm than good. I was informed that my prognosis was 6 to 8 months and that I would be referred to Hospice Isle of Man.

I was enrolled in a breathing class at Hospice where I learned exercises and how to control my breathing. I was also allocated an Admiral Nurse who called me at home and advised what options were available for me. One option was to see a Hospice Psychologist to discuss any problems I was having with the diagnosis. This was all arranged by the Admiral Nurse and I started to see Dr. Fiona on a 3-4 week basis. First, I was apprehensive about seeing someone to discuss my problems, but I was quickly put at ease by her and I was able to talk about some of the concerns I had.

Two ladies who were also attending the exercise class at Hospice suggested I join them at the Hospice Drop In session on a Wednesday afternoon, so I went the following week and have not missed a session since. Drop In has helped as the group are all recovering from various problems many similar to mine. There’s no formality at the sessions, just chatting and visiting speakers. I now know I can relax and speak freely during the sessions, and Dr. Fiona has noticed I can now speak openly with her and not worry about it.

The Drop In sessions have been great for me as it gets me out of the house, and I can discuss any problems with the staff and volunteers. I would definitely recommend these sessions to anyone that is in a similar position to myself.

I also see an Admiral Nurse who has been brilliant and suggested that I should also try the Drop In sessions on a Tuesday for a 12 week programme, although I can attend more if would like to.

There are many things that a person of my age and condition are required to know to receive help to live a basic life at home rather than having to go into hospital or Hospice. As life at home is always preferred, various help can be given to achieve this and this information is available from these Drop In sessions.

Not everyone has such a caring family as I do, many could be living on their own not knowing where to get help, or are too proud to seek such information, and there are many who fit this category. The only other advice I can give is ask what help is available and where to get it and do it before it is too late."