Eleanor Broski: natural nurturer and caregiver

Eleanor Broski’s 40-year nursing career is a testament to her extensive medical knowledge and her nurturing personality, but it did not prepare her for the shocking news that her active, fit husband of 43 years, has Stage 4 cancer.

“We were just gobsmacked when they told us. Lorne is the healthiest guy you’ve ever met – he works out five or six days a week and he’s never been on medications for anything. He’s in his 60s and he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in his whole life,” said Eleanor.

The disease, barely discernable but for some mild hot flashes after meals, and very occasional stomach discomfort, announced itself in March of 2021 at the height of the pandemic.

“He had this unusual stomach ache two weekends in a row so we went to urgent care to have it checked. That’s when an abdominal x-ray showed two bowel tumours on his mesentery – an organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall. It’s a very rare type of cancer called NETs – neuroendocrine tumours. Further tests showed that it had spread to his liver,” said Eleanor, adding that doctors pronounced it inoperable and incurable.

Unable to accompany him to appointments, tests and biopsies due to COVID restrictions, Eleanor felt helpless and fearful.

“I really couldn’t wrap my head around what was happening in our life. I have an auto immune disease, so I’ve always been the one who has been a bit of a concern in our family. Lorne has always been very strong and healthy, and in some ways, he has been my caregiver throughout our whole relationship. Now it would be reversed,” she said.

Treatment for the cancer was kicked off immediately with monthly hormone shots aimed at curbing the serotonin feeding the tumours, and with a goal of arresting their growth, or “putting them to sleep,” as Eleanor explained it.

The treatment was very effective for three and a half years, and mercifully, there were minimum disruptions to the couple’s life, and virtually no need for care.

“He’s been well all along, no trouble looking after himself. And even able to keep up his workouts. We are very busy and active in the lives of our two grandsons, and none of that changed. He has even still looked after me occasionally as the need arises,” said Eleanor.

Recently the couple was once again derailed when a scan showed tumour growth that would indicate the treatments are no longer effective. Disappointed and frightened, they are now pursuing their next line of treatment – admittance to a medical research study in Edmonton offering Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT), a precise form of radiation that is injected intravenously and can target neuraendacrine tumour cells with hormone receptors. The treatment regime, now a standard of care practice in many Canadian provinces, has not yet been approved in Alberta. In the coming months the couple will travel from Calgary to Edmonton every eight weeks to access the treatments.

“It’s been a very difficult past few years; we feel we’ve been hammered almost more than one can bear,” said Eleanor, explaining that several other family members have been diagnosed with cancer, and some precious loved ones have lost their lives, including their youngest daughter, Heather in March 2024. “For now, we just try to stay hopeful and keep our heads above water.”

Wellspring onboard

Early into diagnosis, Eleanor and Lorne learned about Wellspring from their daughter’s Calgary doctor.

“Having Wellspring has been so wonderful; I cannot say it enough. I’m doing many art classes – acrylic and watercolour painting, Zentangle, knitting – all things artsy. But also, I’ve participated in some caregiver programs that were just amazing, and Lorne and I have gone to some social programs we enjoyed, including fly fishing,” she said.

A natural nurturer, Eleanor has earned a reputation as a warm-hearted supporter of others who come to Wellspring centres, and she has even spent hours creating and donating ‘fidget muffs’ – special knitted lap accessories adorned with beads and other trinkets to bring tactile relief to nerves and calm anxiety.

“At Wellspring we all have so much in common; we champion each other. If you need a shoulder to cry on, it’s there for you. If you need programs to take your mind somewhere else, there are plenty, led by caring, talented professionals. And all of this at no cost – which is really phenomenal, since cancer comes with financial strain for most people,” said Eleanor.

Eleanor is also pleased that Wellspring offers family programming, sharing that her daughter Laura, and her young sons (Eleanor and Lorne’s precious grandsons) have also joined Wellspring, enjoying programs such as Kids in the Kitchen and Drumming.

“I have met so many amazing people at Wellspring – members and dedicated employees. To call them all friends seems inadequate, we are more like a caring cohesive family,” she said.

In the days ahead, Eleanor and Lorne will once again place their fate in the hands of science, and they will do all they can to will an outcome that includes keeping cancer on pause.

“We have always believed in the medical system; we trust the doctors and feel that our medical needs are well taken care of. But when it comes to our emotional needs, Wellspring is the answer. A combination of both seems the best we can hope for at this time,” said Eleanor.