C2 - Wednesday, April 14, 1982 - North Shore News An acceptance that life has to end FROM PAGE C1 cerned supportive care, the best that can possibly be given within an insitution, added Dr. Boldt. On acceptance to the. PCU, a patient must have reached the stage where curative treatment has been exhausted and all involved decide to call a halt. Death may be a matter of weeks or months, there is no way of knowing. But once in the program, only the symptoms of the disease are treated. “Patients want to know what this means. Many people associate a great deal of pain with death from cancer. In fact, only half of our patients experience pain which we can pretty well control with massive doses of oral morphine. Pain control may on occasion mean we have to sacrifice some alertness. But at the outset we have assured patients that we will keep them comfortable and as active as possible. More often we are concerned with general weakness, loss of appetite and nausea.” Patients worry about going home. They don't want to be hospitalized, yet they don’t want to burden the family. Families are afraid at first that they cannot manage the patient. They also need to know the One da By Lots Light Check your spring brochure again for the varicty of courses offered you in the April 17 One Day Workshop. Examples: Wind- surfing and especially the afternoon session outdoors, will be invigorating, Vegetable Gardening will give you a head start on the growing season, and Solar Energy inform and enlighten you. Have fun! Monday, April 19, at Carson Graham, at 7:30, there will be an unusual opportunity for you who are contemplating retirement — an evening spent discussing Winter Retirement In The Sunbelt - Is This For You?, given by Sid Gowland, who's tried it for himself. The rela- tive merits of the varied southern holiday spots are covered, including what's entailed in successful planning and practices for retirement. April 29 is the date for another one of the usual free lecture and = discussions sponsored by the People's Law School — Buying And Selling A Home will cover Big news! KINGSWAY MAZDA has best GLC deals! You can drive oa bargain! New Mazdo GICs! Fun to drivel Easy to park! Super economy! from Kingsway Marda, 400 Kingsway. near 12th! 879-6241 11 FOR SALE-OR LEASE! “mechanics” of death, said Dr. Boldt. All these concerns are tackled frankly. While in hospital a social worker assesses the family’s needs while nurses determine the level of care required at home. A dietition, mental health clinician and hospital chaplain are on hand to give all necessary support. Hospital and community staff meet weekly to discuss each case, passing on any concern of patient or family. Another important part of the program are the volunteers. To date 20 have been trained to befriend the terminally-ill and their families, if they are needed. This can mean bedside visits, taking a patient shopping or to a movie, always being a sympathetic, supporting presence. It demands at lease four hours of their time each week, although most give more. They are not sup posed to get emotionally involved, but it usually works out that way, said Dr. Boldt. “We were very surprised by the high quality of people we attracted as volunteers, and by _ their commitment. Their work has made an_ important difference.” The palliative care unit has two single and two double rooms and looks the all the aspects involved here and give you confidence if this transaction is in the works for you. ‘April 21, Matrimony And Divorce is the topic for your discussion, at Carson Graham, and April 26 again at Carson Graham, you'll related to this subject, and its different ramifications. April 19 to 22 are the dates same as any other ward at LGH. Attached to it is a quiet room where visitors and staff can go and sit if they need to be alone. Here and there are curtains and pictures donated by grateful families. A fridge and a newly donated toaster oven allow for the preparation of special snacks. Visiting regulations do not apply here, volunteers and family members are en- couraged to come and go as they please. Contrary to popular belief the at- mosphere is not opporessive, it is full of life. “People don't change when they are dying,” said head nurse Muriel Wessel, who for many years has championed the cause of the dying at LGH. “It doesn't mean the end to laughter or the pleasures of life. Each patient deals with death in his or her own way, and we respect that.” Nursing care is deman- ding, both physically and mentally. Major qualifications for all PCU team members are patience and empathy, finding the time to sit at a bedside, even if schedules are hectic. “After nursing all these years, this is the last place I expected to be. But it isn't depressing, all the nurses are very dedicated and we have a very low turnover,” said for the next Mini Course, at Handsworth. Ten titles are there to tempt you, some of which are: Canada Cooking, par- ticularly for the newcomers to our country, who will make things like Shoofly Pic, Tourtiere and Apfelworst, all Canadian style; Income Tax Workshop and just in the nick of time! For more information phone 985-8741. WINDOW SALE 20” off As spring approaches it’s time to think about new drapernes Watch our window covery week! . for the neat 3 months everything in our window 1s 20% off Quilts, Bedspreads. Rugs, Blinds. Drapery Fobnes Accessones, ctc Sale endsMay 31/82 We provide FREE In home estimates CAPILANO DRAPERIES, INC. 1641 Lonsdale Ave., North Van. 988-5621 Mrs. Wessel. “Working here is very rewarding, we are like one big family. We are glad when we learn someone has been able to die at home which is happening for more and more of our patients, thank goodness. Our personal philosophies are what get us through — an acceptance of what life is and that it has to end. “We ventilate our feelings to each other; naturally some days are more depressing than others. We co cry sometimes, we do get angry. But we get a lot of love expressed toward us, we get a lot of wonderful letters from families, which helps enormously,” she added. “Contrary to what most people think, death after a long illness is not some sort of catastrophic crisis or climax. In fact, most people die very peacefully. Often they have tied up all their loose ends and said their goodbyes. Although when death comes it is sad, often it can be a relief — especially if it has taken a long time. | believe there are worse ways to die.” The palliative care ex- perience at Lions Gate Hospital is unique in many ways. However it is an approach that clearly works and everyone concerned hopes that one day it can workshops return Starts Tomorrow? Ends April 30 leave the hospital setting entirely. As a family member wrote recently: “The program offers a very positive alternative to treatment through the cancer clinic. Through it the hospital has a positive human approach to dealing with cancer, one that involves the community, excellent medical treatment, but most importantly, loving, caring personnel. . .” Stock Clearance Specials 50% off on Custom Drapery Fabrics —over 20,000 yards in stock Special Sale __.. on selected patterns Sheer voile, sheer linen, sheer boucle, velvet, prints, satin & : Open weave 30% off list price Fashion Home Interiors has been established 14 years on the North Shore poviding excellent service to its residents. Quality Workmanship — Free Estimates fashion home frateriors Lto 3050 Mountain Highway. North Vancouver 988-1220 988-1525 Mon-Fri 9-00-5.30 Saturdays _ 10-00-5:00 There is only one Ginger Jar and we are offering exceptional buys on lamps china & brass living room groups dining room sets Chairs chests shelves. wicker ware Gnd imdividual Ifems © One down and look Us Over GINGEL JAK 082 Marine Dr ., North Vancouver Across from the Avaton 988-4108