“This isn’t a place of endings – it’s a place of living.”

As I prepared Christmas dinner in 2023, I felt a sharp pain which then lingered for weeks. This was diagnosed as sciatica and I was given a prescription to alleviate the pain. The following April, I was ready to get a flight off to America, until I collapsed onto the floor. I literally lost the power of my legs.  After visiting A&E, I was advised to have an MRI. My husband carried me into the car and up the stairs of a local clinic in Galway. After that, I was sent to Beaumont for a surgical review, followed by a PET scan a few weeks later. Suddenly, I found myself facing a diagnosis that would change my entire life. 

What had been previously misunderstood as sciatica for four months turned out to be a rare and aggressive leiomyosarcoma – a rare malignant smooth muscle tumor. Approximately two hundred people are diagnosed with a form of sarcoma in Ireland each year. It was extremely shocking news to receive. I had no major symptoms.  I used to run 10k marathons for charity. When I could no longer complete them due to fatigue, I knew something was different, but I didn’t expect it would be cancer. I don’t smoke or drink and cancer has not been common in my family. Thankfully, my parents are currently healthy and in their seventies. I worked abroad for years, but came home during COVID-19 to be closer to them. 

In my case however, they found a  stage three grade A tumour, that was ten centimetres wide. I was in the hospital for four months.  A dear friend of mine was admitted the same day in the Acute Medical Unit.  I went to primary and secondary school with her, attended her wedding, and visited her and her husband in Florida. But over time, we lost touch. Until one day, from across the curtain, I heard “Is that you Genevieve?”. In a wheelchair, the porter brought me over to her and we gave each other a huge hug.  She had stage four lung cancer, so she couldn’t breathe, but she could walk. I couldn’t walk, but I could breathe. We just had this connection. Then all of our friends from school came in to see us and we had a lovely reunion together.  She passed away peacefully at the Galway Hospice in August 2024, where I was able to say goodbye. The team took great care of her.

Unable to have an operation, I was sent back to Galway for twelve sessions of high-intensity radiotherapy, which thankfully reduced the tumor by three centimeters.  I felt great and following a CAT scan they advised me “Go live your life for now. The primary tumour is dormant.” But before my partner and I could visit his family in Turkey, Christmas came along and I fell sick again while at home. My mother called the Community Palliative Care Team and a nurse from Galway Hospice visited me immediately for an examination and called an ambulance. My primary tumour had woken up again and a new 2 millimetre cancer was found in the same area. In January, I began a course of chemotherapy, which is still ongoing. 

That is when I experienced the powerful support of Galway Hospice, which began with their Community Palliative Care team. I met the lovely Dr. Orla, who helps me breathe through the pain when I am at home and cannot travel. Even if I need additional help to peel potatoes at my table, they are there. Those things mean so much to me.

The district nurse told me about the Day Care service at the Hospice, which  is an unbelievable service.  From the moment I walked through the doors, I was met with warmth. They take care of everything. I receive a wide range of supports in the one day and all at the same place, including therapies and access to their medical team. The Day Care Manager, Lesley, is able to identify the needs of any patient straight away. Amazing volunteers like Bríd taught us to weave St. Brigid’s crosses. I gave one to my mother, which now hangs proudly over her door. She recently baked a delicious tea brack for my mum to enjoy because she knows she loves it. Another  volunteer, Mary, sends me special prayers because she knows how important my faith is to me. There are many people that come here that are not able to cook for themselves, so they’re offered a variety of meals here too.

Over my time here at Day Care, I have built a wonderful connection with the staff, volunteers and other patients. The kindness and generosity of the team was demonstrated when they organised a Christmas shopping day for patients. We linked arms, they carried my bags, and we shared many laughs.  That was a godsend to me. They both understand patient ethos and have such empathy for each person. I also have the opportunity to hear similar experiences others have had, which is both encouraging and admirable. It is a safe place to discuss hard issues.

I recently had a party to celebrate my 50th birthday, with the theme  ’Dressed to impress – glitz or glam, whatever your charm.”  We had many different wigs that the adults and children could take pictures wearing. It reminded me how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people fighting for me and my recovery. I would like to thank my parents, my brother, my work colleagues, my closest friends and relations, and of course my husband Gokhan, who has been my rock through it all.

When I first heard the word “Hospice,” I recoiled. But the wonderful team here has redefined what it means for me. This isn’t a place of endings – it’s a place of living, of being seen and supported in ways I will be forever grateful for. My cancer may be rare, but the compassionate care I’ve found at Galway Hospice is anything but. Today, as I prepare for my fourth round of chemotherapy, I carry their support with me.

– Genevieve Carter