Sickness may weaken the body but not the fighting spirit. Two years ago, Pauline was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer after a checkup for stomach pain. The news turned Pauline’s life upside down, but through the love and support of her family, she learned to let go of her fear and anxiety.
Originally a healthcare assistant at a public hospital, Pauline mainly cared for newborns and comatose patients. “I will always remember the three-year-old child who was admitted to the ward where I worked. Ten years later, when I was forced to resign due to illness, he was still there, clinging to life with the help of medical equipment. That child reminded me that life is often out of our control.”
As Pauline transitioned from caregiver to patient, she struggled with chronic insomnia and other unpleasant side effects caused by her cancer treatments. “Life must go on, and my only choice is to face reality. No one knows what tomorrow will bring so in the meantime, I will continue to keep an open mind, live a healthy life and most importantly, cherish every moment that I have with my family.” Yet despite Pauline’s positive outlook, she could not bear to part with her two daughters, as any parent would understand.
“I miss traveling with my daughters most of all,” Pauline said longingly. “We often visited Japan and South Korea, but I have not been able to travel since becoming ill. My last ‘trip’ was in June when our family spent a lovely evening at the Peak.”
As her health deteriorated, Pauline eventually required palliative care. With visitation restricted at public hospitals due to the pandemic, Pauline and her husband, Mr Ho, agreed to seek admission at the Jockey Club Home for Hospice, where family members are welcome to accompany the patient. Under the attentive care of the clinical team and grief counselling by the clinical social workers, the family was well-supported, and Pauline was able to complete her life’s journey with dignity.
“Our family is hoping you will live on, but if it is God’s will for you to leave us, then we will look forward to the day when we can see you again.” With these parting words, Mr Ho held Pauline closer and cherished the moment together.
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| Taking Pauline’s hand, Mr Ho encouraged his wife to live on. |
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