Seven Days of Hospice: A MEMOIR

by D.M. Wilmes

Seven Days of Hospice: Memoir is a compelling true-to-life account about the author's experience during his mother's last seven days of life while in hospice care, and the miraculous ending of her journey This uplifting story will help other families come to terms with the roller coaster of emotions felt during a loved ones final days.

Blessed with a loving marriage and six children, Elaine Wilmes was about to enter the autumn of her life-then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a year of chemotherapy and Herceptin treatments, the doctors pronounced her cancer-free. But her cancer reappeared with a vengeance, first with the development of bone cancer, and then brain cancer.

When all treatment options had been exhausted, the family called hospice, whose mission is to support terminally ill patients and their families. Through hospice care, the family was able to release Elaine to the great beyond as quietly, painlessly, and lovingly as possible and witness her passing with renewed hope and in a profound and life-changing way.

This heart-rending memoir gives powerfully candid, moment-to-moment descriptions of the end-of-life experience. Narrated by one of Elaine's sons, D. M. Wilmes, this uplifting story will help other families come to terms with the roller coaster of emotions felt during a loved one's final days.

Winner of Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist, Reader Views Literary Award for Best Memoir/Autobiography, Midwest Independent Publishers Association Book Award Finalist, USA Book News Best Book Award Finalist, and the iUniverse Publishers Choice Award.

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2007

Reviews

[Chapters Health System · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doug Wilmes gives a simple, but heart-felt account of navigating the end of life with his family as his mother enters hospice care at home. He gives a daily account of his and his family's experiences with hospice staff and with the practical and emotional issues at the end of life. It would be a good read for anyone whose loved one is entering hospice care.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title tells you what the book is about. For me, the book was a bit difficult to read emotionally as I have been fighting cancer for about 18 months now. I have walked the thin line of Stage IV and End Stage cancer many times it seems.

The book is well written and you can feel the pain and strength of the family

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching account from a son of a mother's death.

[Norma Tichenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely divine book!

This book was written by a loving son. He gave an honest insight into hospice, spirituality,death and dying. Excellent reading!