OTHER STORIES
Elaine's Story
Cathy, our Night Nurse arrived into our lives on Wednesday, 22nd October 2008. After very brief introductions she became so much a part of our family. We did not know her and she did not know us, but we all had one thing in common. That was to help our Dad's death be as pain free and gentle as possible. We entrusted her with our most precious thing, our Dad's life.
Elaine Leavey lost her father to cancer. The Leavey family used the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service which provides nursing care to patients who are at the end of their cancer journey in their own homes. The Society’s service provides ten nights care of care free of charge so that cancer patients can stay at home, surrounded by the ones they love. Elaine says:
“Cathy, our Night Nurse arrived into our lives on Wednesday, 22nd October 2008. After very brief introductions she became so much a part of our family. We did not know her and she did not know us, but we all had one thing in common. That was to help our Dad’s death be as pain free and gentle as possible. We entrusted her with our most precious thing, our Dad’s life.
She spoke to Dad as if she always knew him, she gently held his hand and mopped his brow. Her soothing voice and soft tones calmed our emotions and we knew by her confident actions that she was totally in control at all times. Dad passed away as he had lived, peacefully and gently, at 6.40am on Friday, 24th October. Cathy was wonderful, she stayed with us as Dad breathed his last beautiful breath, it was so sad. She made phone calls for us before she went home and it was sad to see her go, as she had shared a most vulnerable and tragic moment with us. She was now one of us, as far as we were concerned. We are so grateful to her for being there for Dad and for us. She is a very special person who does a very difficult job with love and kindness.”
Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses for malignant conditions
The Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service is available for people with palliative care needs and their loved one and provides nursing care, practical support and reassurance. The aim is to keep the patient comfortable and free of pain. Night nurses are free of charge for up to 10 nights.
Website: http://www.cancer.ie/
Need to talk?
Irish Cancer Society
Support Line Freephone:
1800 200 700
9am–5pm, Monday to Friday
Email: supportline@irishcancer.ie
Video: To book a video call click here
Interpreting: Call the Support Line to speak to our cancer nurses in your own language with our telephone interpreter service.
