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Pauline's Story

Pauline Gasch, aged 56 of Creswell Manor Farm estate is no stranger to Katharine House Hospice having accessed the services here during two separate periods of illness. Pauline shared her story with us:

‘I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989. Treatment in the form of a mastectomy and radiotherapy was successful and I was given the all clear. My lymph nodes were removed 18 months later leaving me with the condition Lymphoedema which I manage myself.

Just before my 5 year check I found a new lump in the same place as before. At this point my MacMillan Nurse referred me to Katharine House Hospice for day care and I thought that it was the beginning of the end and this was when my life would start to slip away. However Katharine House wasn’t what I expected, I expected there to be beds full of very ill people who were ready to die. But it was so different and the surprise was so nice.

The first day I came to Katharine House the volunteer asked me what I would like to drink, I jokingly asked for a Bacardi and coke and was shocked when that was what he bought me – which is handy because I don’t drink tea! Meeting other people facing the challenges of a life-limiting condition helps and it’s good to talk with others who understand what you’re going through.

Around this time my daughter announced that she was expecting my first grand child and the support I received from the hospice gave me the determination to beat my illness. After another round of chemo and hormone treatment I got better, stopped coming to Katharine House and was able to enjoy my grandson who is now 12.

About 2 years ago I found another lump on my chest and went to have it looked at straight away. I was diagnosed with cancer of the sternum and was told that this time because of the location of the tumour it was inoperable. Chemo has been unsuccessful at containing the cancer and my diagnosis is now terminal. Once more I was referred to Katharine House for day care.

My husband thought that this meant I was going to die but I was optimistic. Coming to the hospice has given me the opportunity to indulge my interests and I have taken up card making which I really enjoy. I now come to day care twice a week and look forward to it. One of the best things about coming to day care is it gives my husband Brian, a self employed gardener 2 days a week of going to work without worry.

I am not frightened of dying but I am worried how the grand kids will cope when I am gone. Katharine House is my safety zone where I can tell the staff and volunteers how I feel. It’s a place where I can relax.’