As a long-time patient of Helderberg Hospice, we recently had an opportunity to sit with Oom Tommy and listen to his journey. Despite the difficult times he has endured with prostate cancer, his eyes sparkle with energy and a quirky sense of humour.
His story is a testament to his strong will and determination. After many hospital stays and several operations, his cancer is now in remission.
A proud man, he is cared for by a nurturing angel. Bernees tends to his every need with a smile and genuine affection, making sure he rests often, eats well, and takes his medicine regularly.
Having been a patient for several years, Oom Tommy has forged a warm and authentic connection with his Professional Palliative Nurse, Sister Alice and Heidi Hendricks his Professional Palliative Care Social Worker.
Recently, in pain and experiencing unpleasant side effects from the medication he was on, Oom Tommy was admitted to our 24-Hour Transitional Care Facility, where he would spend the next two weeks receiving round-the-clock palliative nursing. In his own words, he was “wonderfully welcomed and found the staff friendly and caring”. He loved his stay and went home in good spirits, enthusiastic, feeling well, and looking forward to spending time with the little ones in the household, who adore him.
When his neighbours heard that he was going into Hospice, they told him in ominous tones that this was a one-way journey that he wouldn’t come back from. Oom Tommy was delighted to tell them in person, when he saw them 14 days later, that he had a ‘return’ ticket, and in fact he would love to spend more time at Hospice, so wonderful was his experience.
Oom Tommy regularly attends the Lilies Support Group in Macassar, where he enjoys the company of the volunteers who run the group, as well as the other patients who attend. The support group is supervised by our Social Workers, and structured in form, with planned activities, therapies, and goals. For his 74th birthday in August, the group planned a surprise celebration for him. On the day, he arrived to great festivities – balloons, cake, gifts, much laughter and enjoyment, and a table laden with delicious treats.
During our visit with Oom Tommy today, he spoke of his dearest wish – to see the ocean again. He had last been to the beach over 30 years ago. We were able to fulfil this wish by driving him to Macassar Beach, where he spent some time sitting on a bench, gazing out at the ocean watching the swell of the waves as they formed and then crashed upon the shore. It was heart-warming to see the tears in his eyes and just how much this meant to him.
We look forward to our next visit with Oom Tommy – what an honour to be able to spend time with this lovely, optimistic gentleman.