At our Palliative Care Centre, Dilasa we accompanied Mrs Shirley Fernandes on her final journey—a remarkable woman whose strength, poise, and indomitable spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Shirley’s life narrative is one of tenacity, affection, and a deep longing to return to the place that had always held her heart—Goa, her cherished home.
Shirley, a 36-year-old resident of Seraulim, South Goa, was a devoted Catholic with a caring family. She was married to Dominic, who worked as a project manager in the UK. Approximately two years prior, Shirley and her two young sons, ages 8 and 9, relocated to the UK. Until early 2024, Shirley enjoyed good health, but her life took a devastating turn when she was diagnosed with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis. The diagnosis of poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma dramatically altered her reality, instilling fear not only for her future but also for the future of her sons, who were always at the forefront of her concerns.
By October 2024, after undergoing additional tests and scans, it was confirmed that a large gastric tumour had invaded her peritoneal cavity and metastasized to nearby lymph nodes. Despite her strong resolve, medical professionals at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood, Middlesex, informed Shirley that her condition was too advanced for systemic treatments. She was subsequently admitted to Michael Sobell House Hospice, where she started receiving palliative care from Dr. Ros Tylor. Although her health deteriorated, her remarkable strength remained intact. Even while grappling with significant physical pain and escalating complications, Shirley held onto her final wish: to return to Goa, the place that always felt like home.
This wish, while tinged with sorrow, was also infused with hope—the hope of spending her remaining days surrounded by her family and the serenity of the land that shaped her. The medical team at Michael Sobell House dedicated themselves to bringing this hope to fruition. Transportation was arranged with Air India, and on December 26, 2024, Shirley boarded the flight, accompanied by a caring nurse. The journey was long and emotionally challenging, yet it signified the beginning of Shirley’s passage home.
Moving To Dilasa Palliative Care
Under Treament at Dilasa Palliative Care
On December 27, 2024, Shirley arrived at MOPA Airport in Goa, where she received a warm and compassionate welcome from the Dilasa team. Our ambulance staff was prepared to transport her safely to the Dilasa Palliative Care Centre, where she would spend her last days enveloped in comfort and dignity. At Dilasa, we promptly addressed Shirley’s medical requirements with the utmost attention. Her condition was carefully monitored upon her arrival, with her IV-line, Foley’s catheter, and IV infusion being meticulously managed, hydration maintained, and NG tube aspiration conducted every two hours to alleviate discomfort. Throughout her stay with us, we ensured that Shirley and her family received the emotional, psychological, and spiritual support they required. Our nursing staff was always available to assist Shirley with her mobility, helping her to the washroom and enabling her to sit bedside, ensuring her comfort.
As Shirley’s health continued to decline, our team provided compassionate end-of-life care, facilitating a serene and honorable passing for her. We made certain that her family received support not only during her final moments but also in the aftermath of her passing. Our staff collaborated closely with them to assist with post-death arrangements and to offer emotional and spiritual care as they navigated the challenging days following Shirley’s death.
Shirley passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 15, 2025, at 1:30 AM due to cardiorespiratory arrest, a complication of her advanced cancer. She departed this world surrounded by love—embraced by her family and the devoted Dilasa team who had accompanied her throughout this final chapter. In those last days, Shirley found the solace and tranquility she sought, in the beloved place she had called
Complied by
MSW Ms Mrunali
Dialasa Palliative Care,
IMA Ponda Charitable Trust