Hospice Hub: Sally's Story
The Hospice Hub is a care and support programme for people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones. A range of healthcare professionals work together to provide a weekly programme of care, education and support drop-in sessions. These sessions cover a range of topics such as managing fatigue, relaxation, coping with anxiety, dementia care and planning for the future.
You don't need a referral and there's no need to book for most of our sessions. The 'drop-in' structure of The Hub means it's very flexible.
The Hub at Heart of Kent Hospice is the highlight of my week. I make it a point to attend every Monday and Thursday, rain or shine. The support and warmth I receive from the incredible Hospice Team and the wonderful friends I've made there have been an absolute lifeline. It's truly a godsend, and I can't imagine where I'd be without it.
In 1995, I found out I had breast cancer. I received chemotherapy and radiation and felt good for 10 years. In 2006, the cancer came back, and I had surgery to remove my breast and didn't need more treatment. In 2016, I found out the cancer had spread to my lungs and bones. For five years, I was okay; then, the cancer spread to my liver.
I feel fortunate to have lived with cancer for 29 years. One of the best things about this bad thing is the fantastic friends I have made at the Hospice. My friends and the Hospice are incredibly important to me, as I always have someone to talk to. The nurses are amazing; they are so kind, they are like angels. They provide empathy, not sympathy or sorrow. They truly understand me and what I'm going through and are always there to support me in any way they can.
The Hub is the best place to be. I feel comforted as soon as I arrive. I am not judged for my thoughts or feelings. The Hub helps me with managing my symptoms and pain. Laura, the nurse, always takes the time to explain my options. We work through things together, and Laura always has alternative solutions to ensure I am as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
I would highly recommend The Hub to anyone in my situation. The Hospice Community Team told me about it, and it's probably the best decision I have made. I went to meet others in a similar situation, and I can honestly say it was the right decision. I have encouraged friends from another group I attend, which is for people living with secondary breast cancer, to come along.
On Thursdays, I enjoy a lovely hand massage. Some of my friends prefer reflexology, which is on Mondays, but it's not my thing. We always have a good cup of tea served with biscuits. Both my husband and I have had counselling. I am still having counselling because one of the medications I need to take has a side effect of causing heart attacks, and I am fearful of dying this way. Talking this through and sharing my fears during counselling helps me feel less scared. An when I'm not at The Hub, I know the Hospice Community Team are just a phone call away.
The Hub and the Hospice colleagues are my safety net.
Hospice Hub
Our Hospice Hub offers a safe and welcoming space where our patients, family members and carers can access our specialist care, peer-to-peer support and professional advice.
Caring for you
At Heart of Kent Hospice we put you at the heart of your care. Find out more about the support we can offer.
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