For most people, going on hospice might feel like it’s the end of the line. For Eunice Wunderlich, it was an opportunity to learn about herself and get stronger. After growing up on a farm and staying there until retirement, Eunice eventually moved to Velva where she then began to go through a tough battle with health.

Falling on ice was just the beginning, which ultimately resulted in a shattered shoulder and fractured pelvis. After having surgery, she then proceeded to stay at the care center in Velva for seven months. Hoping this would be the end of this health journey, it unfortunately was not.

Upon returning home after the seven-month stay at the care center, Eunice had fallen a few more times and ended up going back to the hospital briefly. It was during that time that she learned things were going to change significantly when she heads back home.

The doctor told Eunice that she had a blood clot in her heart and her kidneys were failing, suggesting that her daughter should take her home and put her on hospice. Hearing this news was difficult and a life-changing moment, however, it proved to be life-changing for the better thanks to the positive outlook and mentality that Eunice carried with herself every day.

“I did keep a positive attitude. I really needed to. As it turned out, it was for the better. I got stronger during those months, so being on hospice ended up being good for me,” Eunice said.

It was last March that Eunice went on hospice, thinking that the end of her time was near. However, after being on hospice for three months, Eunice was told that she did not have to be on it anymore and that her condition was improving.

“The doctor told one of my daughters that I had a blood clot in my heart and my kidneys were failing, so they suggested that they took me home and put me on hospice. So far, I’m on heart medication and the pills are working because I’m still here. As far as the kidneys, they are still OK. I was all prepared that I was in my last months, but here I am.”

While Eunice acknowledged that it was tough at first because she did not know what to expect and took things day by day, she used her time on hospice as an opportunity to take care of things she normally would not have and focused on learning a lot about herself.

“During the three months I was on hospice, I learned a lot about myself. I sort of miss the people that would pop in to see me. I just really did learn a lot through hospice, and it was a life-changing time for me. I got a lot of things done which I would not have done if I wasn’t on hospice. There were a lot of personal things that were taken care of and I’m very thankful for that.”

Since she graduated from hospice, Eunice has been able to drive herself around town again, go to clubs and meetings with her friends, go to church, and do activities of daily living like laundry and cooking, which were all things that were put on hold during her recovery.

For those that are struggling with the thought of going on hospice or are looking for motivation during a difficult time, Eunice believes that trying to maintain positivity to the best of your ability can go a long way.

“I would say don’t be discouraged because a lot of times you don’t know what’s going to happen. For me, I got much better and I’m glad I went through that. Being on hospice did a lot for me, even though I felt scared at the beginning. But in the end, it all went very well.”

Tenley Johnson bravely fought breast cancer for many years. When she was initially diagnosed in 1991, she had a double mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy for several months.

After things were looking positive while her cancer was in remission for a 19-year period, it unfortunately returned roughly 12 years ago. After the cancer returned, it was brought under control with radiation. As difficult as it was, Tenley tried to remain positive and looked at things as a journey as opposed to a battle.

“It wasn’t a battle, it was a journey for me with chapters one and two, and soon to be chapter three,” Tenley said. She added, “All of my babies were in school, I wanted to see them grow up. I just kept faith.”

Two years ago, she was diagnosed with end-stage metastatic breast cancer. The course of treatments she received after the diagnosis was very hard on her both mentally and physically.

Treatments included newer cancer drugs, which worked only for a while. Eventually, she began receiving infusions, which caused her to lose her appetite and ability to take in adequate fluids. She felt she was fading fast, and the infusions were making her feel weaker. “I couldn’t take the infusions any longer. I couldn’t walk or eat, and I felt like I was done.”

It was a trip to the emergency room and admission to Trinity Hospital this past January that brought her in touch with Trinity Health Home Health and Hospice. The home health nurse suggested she might be a candidate and would benefit from hospice services. Tenley agreed but was hesitant to go on hospice right away.

After conversations with her medical provider and her family, Tenley decided hospice was a good idea. The news that she was going on hospice, however, made for a difficult time with those closest to her. “I wasn’t scared of dying. I was afraid to bring my family on board with the plan,” Tenley said. She added, “I wasn’t giving up, but I knew I wasn’t going to get better. I was tired and didn’t want to suffer any longer.”

While hospice has a negative connotation, and it feels like the end of the line for many, it proved to be a turning point for Tenley. Since hospice care started after Easter, her quality of life improved dramatically. She got off the infusions and between hospice nurses and her medical provider, they straightened out her medications.

“They were wonderful. They worked with me to get my medications straightened out so I could get my appetite back. I’ve been so blessed and thankful that they straightened out my medications.”

Previously, she had been too weak to shower, but a hospice worker helped her shower three times a week. She was also able to get out of bed, and her voice became strong enough so she could have conversations with her family and others.

“After I went on hospice, you wouldn’t believe how it made me feel. It has put my family at rest knowing there is a team here to help me with bathing and the things I can’t do on my own.”

It was a journey to get to this point because before going on hospice, she felt like she had a weaker voice that people had a hard time understanding, and she felt sicker and sicker with “no life to live.”

Things improved dramatically for Tenley, and her quality of life not only had a positive impact on herself but also on her family and loved ones. “I have lived the best life I could with so many people surrounding me. I’m surrounded by wonderful people who are helping me and my family,” Tenley said.

For those who are debating whether hospice would be a good choice for themselves, Tenley recommends that people should receive hospice care much sooner during their illness.

Tenley lost her courageous battle in October 2024. She felt that her life could have been very different if she had continued with treatment instead of choosing the compassionate support of hospice care.