Andrew has colon cancer which has spread to his liver, and has taken part in our Living Well programme, designed to help patients adjust to and live well with a progressive life limiting illness. He reflects on his experience as part of the group:
"It was a complete shock to me, getting this disease. When the consultant said "I'm referring you to St Peter's Hospice" I must admit, my heart fell. I thought, we really are on the last bit of the trail. I suppose that's where I am, but you just don't know how long you've got.
"It's absolutely unexpected that I would have all these positive experiences. The course has got a structure to it but we manage to break up that structure quite adequately because the three of us have become quite good friends over the weeks.
"The fact that we're sharing the experience we've had is very useful, it's a deep and personal dialogue about very difficult situations. You can't necessarily do that with your wife and partner all the time, so it's been a very uplifting experience for me. We've had a lot of laughs and fun!
"I don't think I've been very good at taking advice over my life, although at last I am now taking it. There was a session they had on managing your fatigue, thinking about it, analysing what makes you tired and what upsets you. I've applied it and it's made a practical difference with dealing with breathlessness and things that.
"I think the main point of it has been to spend time with these lovely people and between us we've shared all sorts of lovely secrets that none of us dreamt that we would ever have done, and the staff have allowed us to carry on doing that."
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"The course helps me because I get out and meet people. The staff are nice and friendly here and always make you feel welcome. In fact, it's a pleasure to come here."
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A cancer diagnosis is awful news to hear. Pauline told us how the Hospice has been there for her with support groups online.
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