Tracheostomy & cancer care in the community❤️

I am trying to raise money for the amazing Hospice at Home Nurses who cared for my nan during her final days at home with family! They did such an amazing job looking after her and they were so very supportive. 

My fundraiser target is £2000 but even if we reach half of that I will be forever thankful❤️

In April 2022 she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the larynx & was given an appointment to go back in May to have elective surgery, where she then had a tracheostomy. She was never told the risks this type of surgery came with and unfortunately lost her voice & was unable to eat or drink. Meaning she also had to have a radiologically inserted gastrostomy (RIG). She spent 8 weeks in hospital and we had to fight to get her home, as many patients with trachs do tend have to go into care homes. We knew my nan would of hated that, so we got her home around family. 

Unfortunately, with there not being much care in the community for trach patients, myself, my mum & other members of the family helped with her personal care, trach care (suctioning/deep suction, making sure she was fed 4 times a day through the rig, including giving her several meds 4 times a day to help her chest secretions & giving her salbutamol and saline nebs to keep her safe from plugging. 

We managed to do all this up until near the end, on our own without any training, which was pretty hard knowing we got thrown in the deep end, scared we would make a mistake & also knowing one day we will lose her, having spent no quality time with her due to how much care she needed that we couldn't get from professionals in the community. But it was all worth it to know she was happy and cared for at home, exactly what she wanted. 

My nan fought hard, she was a true lady who never once showed any emotion or fear trying to shield her family. 

Macmillan came in right at the very end, helped with bed baths, supporting the family & my nan who may not of been able to see them by her side but they spoke to her like she was one of their own. They made sure her dignity was kept and her last wishes were met! 

We will forever be grateful for the Macmillan at Home Nurses & this money will help with equipment they are in desperate need of to help other families in need of their care & compassion!❤️

Proof of where the money goes to will be shared on the main photo here! 

Thank you for helping to try raise this money for Macmillan and equipment for them❤️ 

We will also be donating money to the amazing head & neck team who helped my nan from the start, with check ups & life saving equipment!  Head & neck did amazing with my nan, we are forever thankful, as feisty as she was, she also appreciated your hard work and care!