Lynda Waites has a new outlook on life since becoming a patient at Sunshine Hospital’s Day Hospice. 83849
By NATALIE GALLENTI
LYNDA Waites gave up all hope when doctors told her she only had two years to live.
The Melton mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer almost five years ago and it looked like she wouldn’t live to see her youngest son complete primary school.
Years on and Mrs Waites has overcome endless struggles and now appreciates every moment she has with her family.
A patient at the Sunshine Hospital’s Day Hospice, Mrs Waites attributes her new outlook on life to the friends she has made through the program and the comfort and companionship they have given her.
But it’s been a rough road for the 53-year-old who admitted to considering ending her life when she received the terrible news.
“I went into complete shock. I had thoughts of committing suicide, but I slowly learnt to accept it,” she recalled.
Mrs Waites said her eldest son was a huge inspiration in helping her see past the cancer.
“My attitude to life was I couldn’t give a damn. But I’m a fighter now. I want to live for my children.
“My eldest son sat down and said to me, young children go through worse than this and then I saw a little girl on TV who was having treatment for two years, and I thought if she can do it, I can do it.”
After undergoing chemotherapy, Mrs Waites was told the cancer had spread to other parts of her body. She now undergoes cetuximab treatment which helps the body’s immune system recognise cancer cells and destroy them.
A patient at the Day Hospice for the past year, she said the program offered carers a break and assisted in keeping patients occupied through simple things like crafts, cooking and puzzles.
She said it’s always encouraging and comforting to speak to people in the same situation and that they had become her family.
“I really enjoy it and I love the people there.
“I lost friends when I found out I had cancer but now I have made new ones.”
