Jane was 75 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Shortly afterwards, she developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Delays in treating the DVT and completing the biopsies meant when Jane eventually had a PET scan, it revealed the cancer had already spread to her lungs and lymph nodes. Surgery was sadly no longer possible because of the DVT.
After difficult experiences with some of the oncologists she saw, Jane and her family decided against the treatment on offer, including a trial of extreme radiotherapy, and instead focused on keeping Jane as comfortable and happy as possible.
In 2025, Jane noticed blood in her bra and was diagnosed with a fungating tumour – a tumour that breaks through the skin. Further scans revealed the cancer had spread throughout her body.
Jane began accessing our Patient & Carer Wellbeing service and attended sessions at Coventry Myton Hospice, where she tried therapies such as Reiki, Indian head massage and acupressure.
Jane said:
Going to the hospice every week was great. The hospice is so welcoming and the sun shines so beautifully in the building. I’ve never tried therapies like this before, but they work wonders. Myton has opened my eyes to new experiences. I even took my grandson once. He sat in the memory garden whilst I had my therapy and absolutely loved the serenity.
In July 2025, Jane was admitted to our Warwick Myton Hospice for wound care and pain management.
Jane added:
From the beginning of my journey with cancer, I’ve been terrified, never knowing what was going to happen from one minute to the next. But since coming to Myton and getting to know the doctors and nurses here, I’ve been able to trust people and understand what’s happening. The doctors are marvellous – they spend so much time explaining everything thoroughly so that I feel reassured.
Julian, Jane’s son, shared:
When Mum was first admitted to Myton and at her most vulnerable, everyone was so friendly. The nurses introduced themselves, chatted about their lives, and really got to know us. When we were at our worst as a family, they were so approachable. Just seeing a friendly face made such a difference.
Jane added:
One nurse even stayed with me after her shift had ended and painted my nails. She spent an hour with me when she should’ve been at home with her family. My nails have never looked so good!
Emma, Jane’s daughter, said:
It’s the little things here at Myton that make the biggest difference. We had a fish and chips takeaway one night, and I accidentally got curry sauce instead of mushy peas – the worst disappointment! But one of the nurses went into the kitchen after hours to get me mushy peas. The same nurse even brought in her homegrown tomatoes for Mum after she mentioned wanting a tomato sandwich. Everyone goes the extra mile and it’s such a kind gesture.
Julian added:
The free parking is also wonderful. Otherwise it can be such a burden. Knowing there’s one less thing to worry about is amazing.
Jane reflected on her family time at the hospice:
Myton has been so accommodating. We’ve been able to use the conservatory in the day unit every Sunday for a family lunch. The kitchen team even lay the table and put out flowers – nothing is too much trouble. Having everyone I love around me has created so many happy occasions in sad circumstances.
My brother-in-law Tony, who’s 92, was adamant he didn’t want to come into the hospice – he was too scared. But when he finally plucked up the courage, he saw what an amazing place it is. Now he even wants to become a volunteer. I really hope people’s perceptions of hospices change, because Myton has helped me and my family enormously. It’s not a miserable place, it’s a happy place where sad things happen.
Food has been a particular joy for Jane and her family. Julian explained:
Mum and Dad used to own and run a restaurant – Dad was the chef, Mum was front of house – so we know good food. We’ve all really enjoyed the meals here, which says a lot coming from them.
The food is always fresh, with generous portions, and everything is spot on. Mum has a bacon sandwich every week, with white bread, no butter, and extra crispy bacon – and that’s exactly what she gets.
If the kitchen knows you love something, they’ll even give you a sneaky extra portion. The care and thought that goes into everything is second to none.
The family have also found ways to give back. Emma said:
With all of Mum’s visitors, we started to think about the tea, coffee and biscuits we were using. We donated some supplies of tea and squash to the inpatient unit so money didn’t need to be spent on them.
Dad will be making sausage rolls for Myton’s next event, and Julian baked a lemon tart for the nurses which we think went down well! I’ve ordered blankets for patients, Julian’s bought jigsaws for the bistro area, and we’ve even replaced some batteries for the ward clocks.
These are small things, but it feels good to help ensure more people can access the care. My daughter is also donating her old toys – she’s 26 now so they’re not being used, and what better place for them to go than the family room at Myton?
Jane has built many connections during her time at Myton:
There have been so many wonderful people here. As patients, we’re all going through something similar. We’re at different stages, but we understand each other. These are people I’d never have met in everyday life, but we’ve become so close because of being at Myton.
Julian added:
We’ve also gotten to know other families, which has been a lifeline. We support each other through whatever stage our loved ones are at.
Personally, I’ve been more in touch with my emotions. As men, we’re often led to believe we shouldn’t cry and should stay strong, but I’ve found myself shedding tears at Myton. Here, we’re encouraged to express emotions, whether in sadness or joy.
Reflecting on her time at Myton, Jane said:
For the care, support and service we’ve all received, I’d pay a fortune for this – it’s worth its weight in gold. I could’ve spent thousands on private care and it still wouldn’t have been as good as Myton. I’ve been treated with kindness, respect and dignity from the moment I arrived. I feel so privileged to have experienced this. It’s like I won the golden ticket.
Of course it’s under horrible circumstances, but I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. The cancer will inevitably take me, but the memories we’ve made at Myton will stay with my family forever.
Jane died peacefully at Warwick Myton Hospice, surrounded by her loved ones.
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