Contacting the Hospice early allowed Diana to benefit from a wide range of Hospice support.
“The social worker helped me to work through the mire of getting a disability allowance. The occupational therapist gave advice and equipment on how to shower and get dressed.
“The physical therapist helped my lymphedema, the doctors fixed my pain, and attending the day unit has helped me feel less isolated,” said Diana.
The cancer journey began for Diana when she was working as a librarian at the National Library, in the Legal Deposit section. She had been a librarian since 2006, going to University after raising her four children.
“I just wanted to be a librarian. It’s not a matter of loving books, for me it was a matter of wanting to connect people to information.
“Once I got my diagnosis the ball started rolling. I was 64. I went for early retirement and work was extremely good about it.”
Diana really enjoyed attending the day unit at Te Whare Rānui, Mary Potter Hospice’s Porirua base.
“I was getting a bit lonely at home and it was good for me to see other people. They draw you out a bit more into the community and you feel like you’re still part of everyday life.
Diana had three stays in the Mary Potter Hospice Inpatient Unit in Newtown.
“One time I kept getting pains in my legs, and the hospital couldn’t fix it. I went to the Hospice and they’d fixed it in a day. They’re pain management experts.”
Diana received huge support from her sister Jayne right through her illness. It was made somewhat easier as Jayne used to be a nurse. But Hospice nurses also gave advice to Jayne on how to help Diana and manage things at home.
“Being an ex-nurse, I knew some things,” says Jayne. “But going through something like this with your sister changes you. I also took up knitting when Diana got sick!”
Diana recommended making contact with Mary Potter Hospice as soon as possible. “Make contact as soon as possible. It’s not just an end of life thing.”