St Margaret’s Hospice helped Sharon and our family when life was spiraling out of control.

We were in a desperate grief-stricken place and they were able to help us find a path through an incredibly sad inevitable journey.

We have only admiration for their professionalism, compassion, and love.

Sharon’s battle with cancer started in 2013 when a cancerous mole (melanoma) was removed just above her right ankle. Everything was alright for the next 6 years until December 2019 when Sharon became aware of several lumps in her groin, it was at this point that we discovered that the cancer was spreading into the lymph ducts and that the tumors would need to be removed.

Following surgery in March 2020 a new treatment plan was implemented and at Sharon’s 12-week scan in October 2020 there was an encouraging reduction in all areas, however due to side effects which involved nausea and vomiting the treatment plan had to be paused on a few occasions and dosages reduced.

The next 12-week scan in January 2021 showed that the melanoma had returned and entered the brain, it was at this point that Sharon’s consultant switched treatment to a more aggressive program called Immunotherapy, this started on February 1^st.

To give you an idea of how aggressive this cancer was during these final stages, at her first session she walked unaided from the hospital car park to the chemotherapy unit, however by the second session, which was 3 weeks later, she was to poorly to even leave her bed.

During this period Sharon started to experience a rapid change in her health and was admitted to hospital due to seizures in her arms and pains in her head and legs as well as a considerable lack of concentration and extreme tiredness. Whilst in hospital Sharon had a further scan which revealed that the cancer had progressed significantly.

This was an extremely scary time for Sharon with a rapid change in her condition, as a family we all struggled with the impact of what was happening to her. It was at this point that Sharon was contacted by St Margaret’s Hospice and a home visit took place by a lovely lady called Sam.

At first we made the assumption that Sharon would automatically be taken into a hospice bed, however we soon learnt that this would only be a last resort, if appropriate care could not be given at home. Over the coming days St Margaret’s arranged for all manner of equipment to be delivered, carers arranged, financial support, bureaucracy dealt with, as well as being a liaison with other health professionals. 

Basically, they were there when we simply did not have the head space to deal with things. In addition to all of these wonderful things, there was a 24hr advice helpline, this was a massive crutch, and we are truly grateful for everything they have done in making this journey just a little bit easier for us.

As a family we decided the preferred option was for Sharon to die at home and with St Margaret’s help we were able to do this. Sharon loved her home, and we know in her heart that this is where she would have wanted to be. 

Sharon died at home on 14^th March 2021.