Dead of lung cancer andneverasmoker

FELIX STURM lost his wife of 64 years, Eileen, to lung cancer earlier this year.

Eileen, who had never smoked, first became ill with fluid on her lung cavity in August 2015, at the age of 86.

It was the first respiratory illness she had ever suffered from.

She was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital when further fluid was taken and the cancer was diagnosed. Her treatment included chemotherapy, administered via tablets.

The illness had a huge impact on the couple’s life together with Felix, assisted by their daughter Elizabeth, looking after his wife with support from carers who came to help her wash and dress.

A district nurse visited the couple’s north-west London home regularly to help Eileen with her medication.

Felix says: “Eileen was in constant pain, and the pain-killer tablets seriously affected her digestive system. This obviously reduced her quality of life”

Part of his duties as a carer included cooking and cleaning — jobs Eileen had done pre- Eileen and Felix Sturm viously. “I had to spend considerable time looking after her which severely limited my availability for my own activities,” says Felix. Eileen’s condition deteriorated and she was finally re-admitted to the Royal Free Hospital where she stayed for almost three weeks, before moving to the North London Hospice for for palliative care to manage her pain. After two weeks Eileen was given the option of staying at the hospice or returning home where they would arrange care for her. She felt that this would create a too great a burden for Felix and decided to remain in the hospice. With her condition deteriorating, she passed away in the presence of Felix and their daughters Ruthie and Elizabeth. Felix says watching his wife suffer took its toll. “It was an emotional strain to watch Eileen suffer but I had wonderful support from my daughter Elizabeth who shared the burden,” he says. The experience was alleviated by the care provided by the hospital and the hospice. “They were excellent. I thank them for the way the treated Eileen,” he says.