Page 399 - She's One Crazy Lady!

wound on her chest changed and the wound cleaned. The Unit knew us well through Crazy Hats and from when I was a patient there so it was comforting for her to be under the special care of Claire (Sister on the Unit) and her team, who were so lovely with her, even visiting her at home when they could.
Marilyn was, of course, by now exhausted and was in a great deal of pain, which gradually worsened. Her consultant had indicated that the cancer had spread to her ribs – possibly elsewhere – so her morphine medication was constantly under review and increasing. A Macmillan Nurse, who visited Marilyn at home, was now appointed to oversee Marilyn’s needs and to advise her family of what may happen and what steps would be taken to ease Marilyn’s pain to make her comfortable.
Knowing what a rough time she had already had and
knowing that there was further treatment to follow – in
the form of a one-off, high dose of radiotherapy that,
theoretically, should, after a few weeks, help reduce
the pain, I asked Marilyn if she would like a few days
break – a short ‘holiday’ away somewhere. I didn’t
push her. This had to be her choice and completely
on her terms. Yes, she said she would like to have a
few days break and we agreed on Norfolk – a place
we knew and loved so well and which wasn’t too far
away. Early in May 2022 I booked a suitable hotel that we knew well – but was a little hesitant as the time to travel drew nearer. Marilyn’s pain was quite substantial but she was resolute in wanting to get away – to the see the sea again.
For me, it was a huge responsibility but I was determined too, to give her this much-needed break. Even though we took everything imaginable with us to make her stay as comfortable as possible this, we knew, would be such a different visit to Norfolk – possibly our last.
All I can say is, how proud I was of Marilyn – she loved it! It was hard work but I truly, truly admired the way she coped. We were able to revisit all our favourite haunts, garden centres, shops, eating places and the beaches at Wells and Heacham (everything apart from playing bingo which was still shut following Covid), ensuring she had lengthy rests in between each outing. For much of the time I, selfishly, had the old Marilyn back – we were able to have a lot of laughs and we did a lot of reminiscing. For a few days we were away from all the hospital departments, hospital appointments... we ‘escaped’ – and for that, I will be forever grateful, so glad that we had that special time together. I knew she must have been in a lot of pain but she hid it well – very well.
However, a few days following our return she was admitted to Leicester for a few days to have her medication reviewed, her pain still
“
Marilyn’s
pain was quite substantial but she was resolute in wanting to get away – to the see the sea again. ”
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