Eileen - Accepting and Fearless

The journey has been different than anticipated. Where Eileen was Striving and Thriving, it became Accepting and Fearless. But she really needs a nap and a good night sleep.

August 2020: diagnosed with breast cancer with metastases to right arm. Underwent radiation and months of physical and occupational therapy to strengthen her right arm. and hand.

Fall 2020 – July 2022: bone metastases continues to spread throughout Eileen’s body to include left arm, right and left hips, lower spine, upper spine between shoulder blades, and skull. Underwent radiation to spine and hips to assist with pain and to hopefully slow down the progression of cancer spreading.

July 2022: cancer continues to spread, pain increases and the decision for strictly utilizing palliative care is decided is best course of action. Eileen signs up for home hospice, resigns from work and begins to pursue completing her bucket list.

In the home hospice program from AdventHealth, Eileen is seen at home on a weekly basis, is the youngest person in the program, palliative medications are hand, and volunteers call to provide a caring ear to listen and to offer pastoral support.

Eileen continues to work on achieving her bucket list goals as well as continuing to complete her workbook Eileen – Going Going Gone. This workbook has all the pieces of the puzzle for end of life, including financials, social media, obituary, her will, and last requests. Most interesting note – after cremation, the cremains will utilize The Living Urn. A gift card of a tree sapling is available and Eileen will be planted on Florida State park land so the tree will not be allowed to be cut.

Eileen’s most immediate need is a new comfortable mattress. A cancer patient with extensive bone metastases requires a decent mattress that reduces pressure ulcers (PUs) and the ability to nap frequently. The mattresses with the most amount of positive responses are:

BEST OVERALL: Puffy Mattress

RUNNER UP: Cocoon Chill Mattress

BEST BUDGET: Nectar Sleep

Eventually Eileen will be utilizing a hospital bed located in her living room. But for now, a queen sized bed in her bedroom, which provides privacy and comfort, is the goal.

For those of you who work with patients and in the palliative care industry, your feedback is requested. What have YOU seen and experienced?¬¬¬¬ Have reviews come back more favorable than another? Also, the cost factor is a major concern A team donation has raised $1000 thus far from an insurance company that has befriended and supports Eileen in many ways.

What are your opinions/thoughts? Are you able to make a donation to help secure a decent mattress and bedframe for Eileen? Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

Remember to choose joy and work toward achieving your goals.