Shauna Diamond from Westport, Co. Mayo first learned about the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service when looking for end-of-life care for her mother Geraldine who had been diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months previous.
“It was July 2020, my mother’s condition was deteriorating and she expressed to us that she would like to pass away at home. The Palliative Care team at Mayo General Hospital let my family know about the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service.”
“The Night Nurses came to the house for the last two weeks of mum’s life. There were two Night Nurses who worked in rotation. One of the nurses was actually local to Westport and knew mum, so that was lovely. My three sisters and I really wanted to help nurse mum. They empowered me and my sisters and showed us how to administer the medication and make her comfortable. They were the toughest weeks of our lives, but an incredible privilege to be able to help mind your mother on her final journey.” Shauna states.
Shauna recalls the two weeks spent with the Night Nurses “When someone is really sick, the emphasis is on the sick person, which is only right really, but the night nurses also took the time with us, her family. They would sit down with us and have a cup of tea in the middle of the night and explain the whole process of what exactly was happening. They helped prepare us for what was coming. I really appreciated the Night Nurses treating us like adults and being so open.
The compassion they had, you just can’t learn that, you either have it or you don’t. In all the chaos of someone you love passing away, they brought a sense of calm to us and the whole house. I don’t know how we would have been able to cope without them.”
“When mum passed away, one of the Night Nurses helped me and my sisters wash her down and prepare her before anyone else saw her. I have goosebumps just thinking about that moment, it was very special to be able to do that. The Night Nurses showed us such compassion and ensured mum passed with dignity and peace. We will never forget them.” Shauna recalls.
"In all the chaos of someone you love passing away, they brought a sense of calm to us and the whole house."
Shauna and her family decided to mark their mother’s one year anniversary by holding a fundraiser “The last few months have been devastating, trying to come to terms with the immense loss of our Mum - a wonderful mother, grandmother and partner. We decided to cycle the greenway, Westport to Achill (43km) to raise funds so that the Night Nurses can continue to do their incredible work, guiding families like ours through the toughest time of their lives and ensuring their loved ones are cared for with love and respect.”
Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line
If you have worries or concerns about cancer, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
For more information
Phone
1800 200 700
