Whilst living in Germany for her husband’s work, Sandra was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2020 after a persistent cough. Her husband, Ian, recalled:
It was a very scary time. Sandra received her cancer diagnosis in a foreign country, in a language she barely understood, and with very little compassion. My boss had to translate her medical report so we could grasp the severity of her condition. And with covid added to the mix, the stress was overwhelming.
Sandra underwent oral chemotherapy but was told the cancer could only be controlled, not cured. In 2021, Sandra and Ian decided to move back to their home in the UK, near Alcester.
We returned as Sandra’s illness started to progress. She became less mobile, and scans revealed tumours were in her liver, bones and skull, leading to brain cancer. This became the main area of concern.
Sandra’s brain tumour was putting pressure on her optic nerve, so doctors decided to place a shunt into her brain to help drain the fluid and remove the pressure. However, they were sadly too late and Sandra became blind in both eyes. Ian continued:
She coped incredibly well. She made everything look easy, but I knew it wasn’t. We were never told her prognosis because she didn’t want to know, but it quickly became obvious that it was terminal. We knew we had to make the most of our time together.
In May 2024, Sandra was undergoing radiotherapy to help control the tumours in her spine when she fell seriously ill. After several phone calls to medical professionals, a nurse visited and immediately recommended The Myton Hospices for pain management. Sandra agreed without hesitation. She was admitted to Warwick Myton Hospice’s Inpatient Unit and was immediately greeted with care and compassion. Ian shared:
From the moment we arrived, we felt comfortable and safe. We were told she’d stay for a few weeks to adjust her medication, but it soon became clear she wouldn’t be coming home.
Sandra developed an infection that Myton couldn’t diagnose. She was given the choice of hospital treatment or staying at Myton for comfort focused care. She chose Myton, prioritising quality of life over potentially aggressive treatment.
Making difficult decisions was easier with Myton’s support. Their kindness, compassion and empathy made all the difference. They ensured that Sandra’s last weeks were as good as they could’ve possibly been.
Whilst at Myton, Sandra became immobile, but the couple didn’t let this stop them from enjoying their last few weeks.
On sunny days, we wheeled her outside to enjoy the garden and fresh air with a gin and tonic. So many people wanted to visit that I had to create a rota, and Myton were more than accommodating with this. There was laughter, even among the nurses and doctors. It was a sad time, but remembering her joy means everything.
But most importantly, being at Myton meant we didn’t have to worry anymore. For four years, we lived in constant worry. But at Myton, that disappeared. When I couldn’t be with Sandra, I knew she was safe, laughing with the nurses, and well cared for.
After six weeks at our Warwick Myton Hospice, Sandra died on 2nd July 2024, aged 59. After her death, Ian accessed Myton’s counselling service. He said:
When Sandra was initially diagnosed, we both had a few counselling sessions, but it wasn’t for us. But when Sandra was admitted to Myton, she spoke to one of the counsellors and absolutely loved it. She encouraged me to talk to someone too. I found it so helpful, it was so cathartic and was a huge help. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me know where I needed to be with my grief and how I could get there.
Sandra was warm, outgoing and effortlessly drew people in with her kindness. Knowing Myton treated her with the same compassion she showed others means more than I can express. Their support and guidance were invaluable – we didn’t always know what lay ahead, but they did, handling every challenge with professionalism and empathy. Sandra faced everything with grace, never letting frustration take over. Her perspective on life was remarkable, especially given the circumstances, and knowing she received the care she deserved is truly comforting.
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