My wife, Judy Sclater, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June of 2013. The diagnosis came as a real shock since Judy had endeavored to live a healthy life. She had no prior major health issues and had taken care of herself and her family. After the initial surgery to remove a portion of her pancreas and her spleen, she embarked on a regimen of chemo and radiation that extended over the course of about three years. There were more surgeries, and her energy level dropped at a slow, but steady pace.
In July or August of 2016, she finally told her oncologist that she did not wish to do further treatment, a decision with which he graciously agreed. At that point, we knew her situation was terminal. It was at this point that Judy first considered engaging Hospice Ministries to care for her in the time she had left. Our dear friend Lesa Meaders, an employee at Hospice Ministries, came and spent time with both of us and explained a lot of what we needed to know about the type of care she would receive. Judy did not wish to leave home so her care would be administered at home by the Hospice Ministries personnel.
Since I was Judy’s primary caregiver, I was so grateful to have the loving and knowledgeable help provided by Hospice Ministries. Judy’s primary nurse, Rosa Cockerill, could not have been any more kind, loving, and professional in her care for Judy and me. The fact that she lives right around the corner was also a big plus. Rosa provided a level of care far beyond the call of duty; she was a very comforting presence in a very difficult time in our lives.
The other Hospice Ministries personnel were kind, considerate, and thoughtful to us. Sister Dorothy, chaplain, Donna Claycomb, social worker, and LaShunda Haymon, the nurse’s aide who helped Judy with her bathing, and other personal needs were all shining examples of Christian love. Sister Dorothy was as much a chaplain to me as she was to Judy. Hospice Ministries is so blessed to have people of such dedication and quality. I appreciated the fact that Rosa strongly affirmed our decision for Judy to remain at home, an affirmation based upon her care for Judy and concern for me. The evening Judy died, Rosa came to take care of all the details. She was so much help and comfort. She has remained in contact since that time. I feel blessed to have been helped during a difficult time by persons who care so much and cannot imagine going through a situation like Judy’s final illness without the caring folks at Hospice Ministries.
After Judy’s passing, I became involved in the grief counseling sessions held by Joyce Burnett at Hospice Ministries. These were an opportunity for me to tell my story, listen to others, and meet new people who had gone through similar circumstances. This interaction has proved invaluable in helping me get my life back on track. Another positive aspect of these meetings is that Joyce and I have been able to combine our musical abilities in giving programs for residential living facilities in the metro area. Hospice Ministries not only provided my wife with a wonderful level of care in her final days but also gave me the opportunity to heal and to be of service to the community. I am very grateful to the people and the mission of Hospice Ministries.
~By Dr. James Sclater