Michelle’s Story

David and Carol Lyon kindly shared with us the story of the care their daughter, Michelle Howman, received at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Michelle was admitted on the 24^th June 2024, following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis on the 17^th April. A CT scan at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital had revealed the cancer had already spread to her lung and liver, leading to complications. This was devastating news for Michelle and her family.

David shared, “When Michelle was transferred from hospital to Priscilla Bacon Lodge, her anxiety levels were really high, as you can imagine. Once she got settled in, she was much calmer; in fact, it seems silly to say, but she felt at home. The staff were so caring and professional in their attitude, which put Michelle in a more relaxed mood, considering her eventual outcome.”

Michelle’s medication was adjusted soon after admission to Priscilla Bacon Lodge, significantly improving her comfort.

Parents David and Carol, along with Michelle’s husband, Frazer, and their two children, Owen and Olivia, visited every day, and stayed all day. Owen’s partner, Stephanie, and Michelle’s niece, Morgan, were also able to spend a great deal of time with Michelle at the Lodge.

David told us, “We all integrated with your fantastic staff, and Michelle befriended Lauren, Sandy and Natalie, to name a few.”

On the 28th June, Olivia had her Prom. “It was so uplifting for Michelle to wake up to her room having been decorated by Natalie,” David recalled. “Natalie also assisted Olivia in getting ready and making her look like a princess. This made Michelle so happy, and it was so nice that a hairdressing friend of Michelle’s was allowed into her room to do the styling.”

Michelle and Frazer also celebrated their 14^th wedding anniversary in her room. Again, staff spent time decorating, and provided food and drinks, allowing the family to share the day together. David said, “Michelle found that inner strength to e these special occasions.”

In the last three days of Michelle’s life, her family were able to stay overnight in the day room, with bedding and recliners provided to make them as comfortable as possible. Prior to Michelle’s passing, Revd Helen Garrard, Lead Chaplain at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, visited her room to provide a blessing, which the family were so grateful for.

David reflected, “When Michelle passed on 10^th July, three months after her diagnosis, we were totally devastated. We knew it was going to happen, but undeniably, it hit us all hard. We were so privileged that the professional Priscilla Bacon Lodge staff showed so much compassion and dignity on Michelle’s passing and supported us all through the start of our grieving. We will forever be indebted to everyone at the Lodge for providing so much care to Michelle and for supporting her family throughout her stay.”

David and Carol are currently receiving counselling at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, which they feel has helped tremendously with their grief. David explained, “It will never leave us, but hopefully it will get easier to deal with, as it is very early days after the loss of our beloved daughter.”

He added, “Hopefully, in the future, everybody with a terminal illness will have the same opportunity that Michelle had – to have the care and professionalism of everyone at Priscilla Bacon Lodge. We were all privileged to be part of it. I have set myself a goal to raise funds in the near future and also hope to do some volunteering work at the Lodge, once everything is less raw.”