Palliative care eases suffering
Four years ago, Barry and Lynette Kingston had started planning for the holidays and downtime which comes with easing into retirement.
This included wrapping up Barry's successful surveying practice built over 23 years in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Business was weaved between his work on local government committees, part-time lecturing at the WA School of Mines and an 18-month stint as president of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Their planning was put on hold when Barry was hospitalised with pneumonia. The admission would lead to the discovery of mesothelioma, a cancer of the protective lining of the internal organs. Victims of the terminal disease, caused by asbestos exposure, are usually given a grim prognosis.
Doctors told the couple to get their affairs in order soon after Barry was diagnosed.
But to their delight, Barry responded well to chemotherapy and 26 rounds of treatment have helped keep the cancer at bay.
"When the doctor comes to see me he says, 'just keep doing what you're doing, whatever it is, it's working'," he said.
"It must be all the orange juice."
At the conclusion of treatment, Barry was given 12 months to live.
That was two years ago - he has again exceeded all expectations.
Besides the unwavering support of his wife and his faith, he credits much of this success to the palliative care unit at Kalgoorlie Hospital. Along with their medical knowledge, the team is an expert support network to help the couple navigate the murky terrain of a fatal disease.
They have also provided the equipment - an oxygen supply, hospital beds and other equipment- to allow Barry to stay at home and spend time with his wife.
"I don't think I would have got this far without the unit," Barry said.
"Just the reassurance of having them there, and having their care and knowing I'm not alone on this journey.
"I've got Lyn, I've got the family, but it's not the same as having that medical assurance. "To be able to deal with people who are dying and stay compassionate and treat them with dignity, they're very gifted and special people."
The couple are this week celebrating Palliative Care Week.
It is a chance to recognise the work of specialists around Australia who help to ease the sick through their darkest times, and raise awareness of preparing for end of life matters.
A survey conducted by Palliative Care Australia has found many Australians are unprepared for a situation like Barry and Lynette's.
Along with being unprepared for financial, legal and even organ donation considerations, only 5 percent of respondents said they had made an advance care plan for their loved one
