Emma’s story
Before Emma became ill, she loved travelling with her husband Andrew and trying out new cuisines. This all changed when Emma developed an aggressive cancer that made it difficult for her to breathe and swallow. Her love of food vanished in one afternoon when Emma was enjoying afternoon tea with her husband, Andrew, and she began to choke on a cake crumb.
Rushed to A&E
Emma wasn’t able to breathe and an ambulance was called to rush her to hospital. The doctors managed to clear her airway and help her recover from the scare, but Emma’s cancer was now at such a severe stage that there were no further treatment options available for her. After consultation with her family, her doctors decided that nursing care in the hospice may be her best option, as Emma was now so terrified that her next meal could possibly be her last. She was too scared to go home.
Referred to Hospiscare
After Emma was assessed by a physiotherapist, our Chef Manager Lil became personally responsible for Emma’s meals. Emma was scared to try eating, she preferred the safety of drinks, but with Lil’s encouragement and support she began gradually to try different foods. Emma was under our care for over seven weeks, and thanks to Lil’s support, was even able to return home for a couple of those weeks, before being re-admitted for the final time.
