Rhona & Chris’ Story – supported by Phyllis Tuckwell

When Rhona’s husband, Chris, was diagnosed with terminal secondary bowel cancer, his GP and hospital referred him to Phyllis Tuckwell. They were contacted by one of our Clinical Nurse Specialists, (CNSs), Sophie, for an initial introduction and assessment to find out what support Chris and Rhona needed.

“Sophie was fantastic,” said Rhona. “She was the font of all knowledge! She put the practical side of care in place and also referred us both for counselling.”

“As well as seeing people at the Hospice, we were also visited at home. Tori, one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s Occupational Therapists, came to assess what equipment Chris might need, some of which Phyllis Tuckwell supplied and some of which we got through the NHS. We had a hospital bed, an over-bed table, a walking stick and a ‘glideabout’ chair – which became our new best friend! It was lightweight and designed for indoor use, and using it meant that I could move Chris around the house, from his hospital bed to the kitchen, to the downstairs bathroom, to the lounge. He could remain part of family life and didn’t have to stay stuck in bed in one room, with people having to go in to see him.”

“It was Chris’s wish was to die at home,” said Rhona. “He was cared for at home by our wonderful CNS’, Sophie and Luke.”

Phyllis Tuckwell’s Hospice Care at Home nursing team visit patients who have chosen to spend their last days, and to die, in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. They visit as much as is needed, offering important nursing care for patients, and emotional support for their families and carers, too.

“Throughout our time with Phyllis Tuckwell, Sophie always made sure that we knew how Chris’s illness would progress. She told us about the symptoms that he might experience, and we felt forewarned. I knew what to expect, and so when it did happen, I wasn’t shocked and didn’t panic. It made things that bit easier. Because Phyllis Tuckwell are specialists, they have a great deal of experience in end of life care. Their CNSs have seen lots of different scenarios, so they can support you really well because they know all of the different things that you might be faced with.”

“Before Chris died, Phyllis Tuckwell put us in touch with a company who offer a biography service. A lovely lady from the service spent an hour with Chris, recording him as he talked about his life, and we were given a USB stick with his voice on it, telling his story. It’s very special; I’ve got his voice forever now.”

“Chris and I really valued all of the services that Phyllis Tuckwell offered to us to make his last months meaningful and fulfilled. He had a good death. We were supported all the way through. It was inevitable – everyone has to die at some point but he was far too young. We had had precious time to prepare, although there is never really enough time. Everyone was so kind and caring, and nothing was too much trouble. And I have some wonderful memories to take with me into the future.”