Rukahya - Hospice brings me hope and joy

Rukahya, is a mum of two who lives in Barking.  She was referred to Saint Francis Hospice in 2018 and since then, Rukahya has attended a number of therapy sessions to help her manage her condition and improve her wellbeing. She also receives regular calls from OrangeLine, our confidential telephone support service.

Saint Francis Hospice brings me hope and joy. My breast cancer nurse told me about the hospice in 2018 and the range of activities available to support people. Now, every time I see her, I thank her for introducing me to the hospice.

When I come here, I forget about my troubles. I am so happy, I am in another world. Even if I am expecting my death here, it is going to be a fun place to be until the end of my life. 

I’ve made a lot of friends at the hospice. The HOPE group really touched me because I met people who did not have hope, and I was able to share my story to support them.

In 2008 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctors had no hope for me but here I am.

The cancer spread to my lungs, liver and bones and although I cannot be cured, I have regular chemotherapy and my condition is stable.

They told me I was an inspiration to them and that made me really happy.

There is always someone here to help me. I’ve had physiotherapy and it has really helped me with my breathing and the team has given me techniques to make it easier for me to manage at home.

The complementary therapy team has given me massages and I use the oils they gave me when I have chemotherapy as they really help with the nausea.

My children keep me going. They have been on this journey with me since they were very young.

I had a mastectomy on my right breast in 2009. I was later diagnosed with a brain tumour which was pressing on my optic nerve so I can not see out of my left eye. I had an operation to remove the tumour in 2011.  I had surgery on my right breast in 2019, but I didn’t want to have major surgery because my eldest daughter was doing her GCSEs at the time. In 2023, I had surgery on my lungs.

I make sure I talk to my children because if I don’t tell them, they won’t understand what I’m going through.

I tell my daughters that Saint Francis Hospice is so welcoming, it has become a second home.

The OrangeLine service has been a God send. There are times when I've felt lonely and sad, then OrangeLine will call and it is like talking to a family member. They know about me and my life and I look forward to their call. They have even liaised with my GP and that took so much stress off me.