In April 2024, Polly was given the devastating news she had stage four womb cancer. It was suggested for her to begin chemotherapy in hopes that it would shrink the tumour, but after her first session her lung began to collapse, and her heart started to fail. The decision was made for her to be transferred to Garden House Hospice Care where she made a miraculous recovery. This is her story.
Polly’s diagnosis
In April 2024, Polly was given the devastating news she had stage four womb cancer, the cancer was aggressive and had spread throughout her body. Unfortunately, by the time the diagnosis was confirmed, her tumour was inoperable. It was suggested for her to begin chemotherapy.
On 4th June 2024 Polly had her first session of chemotherapy. That evening, she sat watching the TV with her family and could feel something wasn't right. She became very weak and short of breath. Polly’s daughter rushed her to the hospital, and it was there they found her lungs were full of fluid. Her lung began to collapse, and her heart started to fail. It was discovered she also had a heart condition which had gone unnoticed.
Arriving at Garden House Hospice Care
Her family were told Polly would die within days if not hours. The decision was made for her to be transferred to Garden House Hospice Care's Inpatient Unit where she arrived on an end-of-life pathway, having been told by hospital staff there was nothing more they could do for her.
Polly and her family arrived at the Hospice, frightened. But she says that the immediate relaxation and support she received from the IPU, Rehab and Wellbeing and Frailty teams instantly put their minds at ease.
Polly smiles with her family on the Inpatient Unit
A few days after arriving at the Hospice, Polly told us:
“The instant welcome, the love, the support, the encouragement and the way people weren't treating me as if it was the end, but a beginning of a process - from then on I just thought I'd fallen into heaven and my life just began to pop back in little bubbles and little blisters.”
Her partner, Ashley, added:
“I've been utterly amazed by the way we have been treated here. I've been able to stay with my wife all the way through her journey here - I've been given a bed to put up and sleep beside her. Everybody has been so fabulous in their warmth and loveliness.”
Polly and her partner, Ashley, on the Inpatient Unit
A remarkable recovery
Ten days later, Polly was discharged from the Hospice, no longer relying on oxygen and her heart functioning at a rate that can be managed. She admitted she was ‘a bit sad’ to be leaving as ‘everything had been so lovely’, but was also excited.
“Everything about this place is just so beautiful, it’s like heaven. I can’t thank everyone enough. I even had the harp played to me - it’s actually my favourite instrument but to have it played to me in my room was just a dream come true. I’m very excited to be going home.”
Polly smiles with a nurse the day of being discharged
Ashley also described the experience as ‘a complete joy’:
“I hadn’t really given a hospice much thought but it’s such a joyful place, not a sad place. The fact we’ve come in expecting the worst and suddenly things have gotten better and better and now Polly’s going home, not dying at all. It’s been the most amazing emotional experience.”
Polly’s cancer can’t be cured, but she is no longer in pain or afraid. With thanks to the support of the Hospice she is living the life she loves with her symptoms under control, attending two parties in as many weeks after being discharged! She is looking forward to the future and making memories - with more celebrations in the diary.
