Palliative Care: One Couple's Story of Living While Dying

Summary

This poignant video recounts the journey of Sarah and John, who faced the unexpected diagnosis of stage four lung cancer shortly after their honeymoon. After initial symptoms led to a pneumonia diagnosis, Sarah's life changed dramatically when she learned of her condition at just 31 years old. The palliative care program at Stormont Vail Cancer Center provided essential support, focusing on her quality of life and emotional well-being. John's reflections highlight Sarah's strength and the importance of cherishing memories, emphasizing that she was more than a patient—she was his beloved wife.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sarah and John were newlyweds when Sarah began experiencing symptoms in January 2010.
• 😷 Sarah was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, but her cough persisted.
• 🩺 In July 2010, Sarah received a shocking diagnosis of stage four lung cancer at just 31 years old.
• 🏃‍♀️ Sarah was an avid runner who had never smoked, making the diagnosis unexpected.
• ⏳ The focus of treatment shifted from curing the disease to prolonging Sarah's life and improving her quality of life.
• 🌈 The Stormont Vail Cancer Center's palliative care program played a crucial role in Sarah's treatment.
• 🤝 Palliative care aims to address not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual needs.
• 🔍 A year into treatment, Sarah's palliative care coordinator, Robin, identified unusual side effects that led to an MRI.
• 🧠 The MRI revealed that the cancer had spread to Sarah's brain, allowing her to receive timely radiation treatment.
• 💔 Sarah passed away on November 8th, 2010, at the age of 33, but her husband John cherishes their memories together.

Q & A

What health issue did Sarah experience shortly after her honeymoon?

Sarah was diagnosed with pneumonia, which started with a persistent cough.

What significant diagnosis did Sarah receive on July 23, 2010?

Sarah was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

How did Sarah's diagnosis impact her lifestyle?

Sarah, an avid runner who had never smoked, found herself in a race against time to prolong her life.

What was the main focus of the palliative care program that Sarah received?

The main focus was to help patients feel their best every day while managing serious illness.

Who coordinated the palliative care program for Sarah?

Program coordinator Robin Holhouse led the palliative care team.

What types of needs does palliative care address?

Palliative care addresses physical symptoms as well as emotional and spiritual needs.

What critical observation did Robin make during Sarah's treatment?

Robin noticed unusual side effects and insisted on an MRI, which revealed that the cancer had spread to Sarah's brain.

What treatment did Sarah receive after the cancer spread to her brain?

Sarah underwent radiation treatment after the cancer spread to her brain.

How long did Sarah live after her initial cancer diagnosis?

Sarah lived for almost a year and a half after the cancer spread to her brain.

What was John's perspective on Sarah's strength and their relationship?

John credited Sarah's strength and emphasized that he could see her as his wife, rather than just a diagnosis.