Asia Malik - finding solace at the hospice

Mum of three Asia Malik has been cared for on our ward three times over the past two years. Here she tells us about the care she received and how she has even been inspired to write about her experience.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. I didn’t even find a lump, it was a spot that would give me a piercing pain every once in a while.  I decided to get it checked out and was told I had breast cancer. 

In 2019 I was stretching to take down a curtain when I felt a tightness in my chest and then a pain in my rib. It went on for a few days and the pain got stronger. When I went to see my consultant, he sent me for an x-ray which showed I had a broken rib and water on my left lung.

I was admitted to hospital for treatment and it turned out that the cancer had spread to my lungs and bones. I had major operation in my lung and two months later the cancer spread to my spine.   

My referral to Saint Francis Hospice

I was referred to Saint Francis Hospice for the first time in 2020 because I could not tolerate the pain in my lung.  

Dr Corinna Midgley, the medical director at the hospice, came to see me and said, “Let’s take you to the hospice so we can take a look and see what’s going on.”

As soon as I came to the ward, I felt at peace. I knew I was in a safe environment and there was so much positivity. It was an amazing feeling, like going back home and being cared for by your mum.

Within 4 days, I had my energy back. I was able to spend time in the garden and pray for everyone.

I felt so comfortable. I cannot forget the jelly and ice cream that made me feel so much better.

The Hospice is not just a place to die

Most people believe the hospice is a place where you go to die - they don’t realise that it is a place where people go to get their symptoms under control.  For me to take these blinds off people’s eyes is very important. I was there for almost a month before going back home. 

My faith is very important to me and I pray to Allah to help make it easier for my family as it has been really difficult for them too. One of my son’s was so afraid when I first came to the hospice as he thought he’d never see me again.

When I came back to the ward for three weeks in June and for a few days in July I wasn’t afraid. I knew I was in the best place and I would get the care I needed to help control my pain.

Asia's poem for Tracy

I have never written poetry before and I cannot write much because my hands shake, but I found myself writing expressions that come from the heart. Here is a poem I wrote about my experience on the ward:

A nurse is not just a nurse who nurses you

She opens her heart to give you strength

And her motivation is endless.

The beautiful white sheets on your bed are changed every day.

The endless bubbles that drop from the bath, give their beautiful essence

And finally when you are just about to fall in love with her .. it’s time for discharge.

If it wasn’t for these nurses, we wouldn’t be here right now.

I, myself, dedicate this poem Tracy - may your life be filled with endless happy surprises.

Saint Francis Hospice is a very special place and it should not have to rely on charitable donations to fund the care and support it gives to people who are very unwell and I know that without the hospice, I wouldn’t be here now.