Reflections on lymphoedema, fungating wounds and the power of touch in the last weeks of life

Terminal care is a significant chapter of life in which each individual has the right to expect dignity, compassion, holistic care, and quality of life. The case of 'Sally', a 57-year-old woman with a diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer, left arm lymphoedema, and a fungating chest wound, gave palliative care nurses a multitude of distressing and complex challenges to manage. Management of lymphoedema is often put into the 'too hard basket', especially in the palliative care setting. Similarly, fungating wounds are hard to confront, and the power of touch is often underestimated. The aim of this case study is to explore and reflect on how these issues entwine, and how vital it is for nurses to feel comfortable in providing the most appropriate care. As a result of reflection on Sally's care management many issues were highlighted, including the crucial need to relieve her symptoms with timely, appropriate, dignified, and respectful care, optimizing her sense of worth and quality of life.