Julie Maple initially underwent a hysterectomy eight years ago for what doctors believed were non-cancerous tumours.

She explained: “When they discovered the tumours were actually cancerous, they continued to monitor me with blood tests and scans. Eventually the disease spread to my omentum, and I was told there was nothing they could do to cure it.”

Julie admits she was terrified when she was first referred to Foyle Hospice by her healthcare team. “My initial reaction to the word hospice was pure fear,” she explained. “I associated it with end-of-life. 
“It’s not a nice word because you automatically think of the worst. I remember having a full-blown panic attack on my first day at Day Therapy because I thought it was the beginning of the end.”

Instead, Julie found a place full of warmth and encouragement and now, says she can’t imagine life without it.

Day Therapy at Foyle Hospice supports people living with cancer and life-limiting illnesses by offering specialist care in a welcoming environment. Alongside expert clinical support, patients can access complementary therapies, wellbeing activities, social interaction and emotional support, helping them maintain independence, confidence and quality of life.
Julie continued: “You imagine it to be doom and gloom, with everyone talking about their diagnosis, but it’s nothing like that at all. Everyone is so positive. You’re meeting people from all walks of life who you probably never would have met otherwise. We chat, we laugh, we support each other and everyone helps everybody.”

Although she admits she was extremely anxious about attending Day Therapy, Julie is thankful to say those fears have quickly disappeared.

“When I look back now, I think, ‘Why did I put myself through that?’ But you can’t help it at the time,” explained Julie. “The only experience I’d had of hospice nurses was when my mum passed away, so naturally that’s where your mind goes. You’re walking into the unknown.”

One of the biggest changes Julie has noticed is the return of her confidence and routine.

She continued: “Day Therapy has helped me regain my confidence in so many ways. Six weeks before I started, I couldn’t step outside my front door on my own. I relied on my children to drive me everywhere because I was so nervous.”

Now, Julie drives herself to Day Therapy and enjoys attending each week, taking part in as much or as little as she chooses.

She said: “I love that there’s no pressure to do anything you don’t want to do, but there’s always something to enjoy. I’ve had reflexology, Indian head massages and even had my hair done afterwards. You leave feeling like you’re on cloud nine. It rounds the whole day off perfectly.”

Having worked all her life, Julie says losing her routine following her diagnosis had a huge impact on her wellbeing.

She explained: “I have to say that going from full-time employment to nothing is a real shock. Suddenly there’s no routine and no reason to get up in the morning. Coming here changes that. You get up because you want to and you know you’re going to have a good day, no matter how it starts.”

Thankfully, Julie believes the support she has received from Foyle Hospice has helped her do far more than simply cope with her diagnosis.

“I don’t think I would have lived as well as I am now without their support,” admits Julie. “There’s a big difference between existing and living. Before, I was just getting through the days. Now there are positives again. Being around people who understand and share their experiences is so valuable.”

Reflecting on her own experience, Julie has one message for anyone who may be feeling the same fear she once did. She explained “What we fear is fear itself. I wish I’d known what Day Therapy was really like before I came. It’s given me confidence, routine, friendships and something to look forward to every week. Foyle Hospice isn’t about the end-of-life—it’s about helping you live as well as you possibly can.”