When Sandy’s husband, Bill, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in late 2020, their world changed overnight.

What began as minor jaw pain quickly turned into a 13-hour surgery in Iowa City — half to remove the cancer and half to reconstruct his jaw using bone and muscle from other parts of his body. The surgery was followed by chemotherapy, radiation, and a long list of complications.

Five years later, Bill is still here — something doctors once said he had only a 30% chance of seeing.

But survival came with a cost.

Scar tissue left Bill unable to safely swallow. He now relies entirely on a feeding tube for nutrition and hydration. He requires medication daily, tube feedings, and ongoing management of complications including frequent nosebleeds, cognitive changes, and anxiety.

And Sandy manages it with a lot of support from the Lord.

“I didn’t realize how much of a
difference a little help could make.”

Sandy administers medications.
She manages feeding tube care.
She monitors skin integrity.
She responds to emergencies.
She advocates in hospitals.
She tracks schedules down to the minute. Seven days a week.

“I give him medicine five times a day and feed him three times a day. That’s eight medical interventions every single day,” Sandy explains. “After two years, I have more experience with feeding tubes than most hospital staff.”

When Sandy needed foot surgery of her own, she knew she couldn’t keep postponing her health. A friend mentioned Bethany at Home — and everything shifted.

The Difference One Caregiver
Can Make

Amy, a caregiver from Bethany at Home, began assisting the family over a year ago. She helps out a few times a month for a few hours each visit.

Her primary responsibilities include:
• Administering Bill’s midday feeding
• Light housekeeping and bathroom cleaning
• Companionship and routine support

But what mattered most wasn’t just the task list. It was the attentiveness.

The day Sandy returned home from her own surgery, Amy noticed blood soaking through her dressing — something Sandy herself hadn’t realized. Amy encouraged her to call the surgeon immediately, potentially preventing further complications.

“That’s when I knew,” Sandy says. “She was paying attention. She cared.”

Compassionate Care &
Emotional Support
Caregiving isn’t just physical labor. It’s emotional weight of being “on duty” 24/7.

“I’ve learned how to handle Bill’s physical needs,” Sandy admits. “It’s the unknown that lies ahead that is the hardest.”

Having Amy in the home provides something invaluable:

A pause.
An errand completed.
A moment to breathe.

“It lowers my stress level knowing he’s well taken care of,” Sandy says. “It gives me the time to take care of myself.”

Consistency Builds Confidence
Sandy initially considered reducing services once her surgery recovery was complete. But she quickly realized the consistency mattered — not just for her, but for Bill.

Amy understands:
• Their medication timing
• Feeding tube procedures
• Behavioral patterns
• Emergency protocols

That familiarity creates stability.
And stability creates peace of mind.
“I don’t worry when she’s here,” Sandy says. “That’s everything.”
A Partner in the Journey
“Bethany at Home is more than help around the house, it’s someone who knows and understands the challenges of caregiving.”

She expressed deep appreciation for Amy’s care and Bethany at Home’s responsiveness.

Care That Meets You
Where You Are
Whether families need:
• Post-surgical support
• Companionship
• Light housekeeping
• Medication assistance
• Or simply respite time

Bethany at Home provides compassionate, personalized care designed to support both clients and caregivers.

Because sometimes the greatest gift you can give a caregiver…is the chance to exhale.

To learn more about how Bethany at Home can support your family, contact their team today and discover what a difference the right care can make.