Carmel’s Story

Carmel from Temora had been unwell for a couple of years and had trouble swallowing. But it wasn’t until Carmel collapsed and was taken to hospital that Carmel was told that she had Oesophageal cancer. 

Carmel needed to have 5 weeks of chemo and radiation treatment – one day of chemo and 5 days of radiation treatment – all in Wagga.  Despite staying at Can Assist’s Lilier Lodge in Wagga for her chemo, Carmel still traveled more than 6000 kms for her treatment. Due to a 6 week wait before the treatment and surgery, it was December when Carmel had a 7-hour surgery to remove the tumour. 

For Carmel it was Christmas in hospital, away from her family. And even though they had made a nice lunch that day, Carmel struggled to eat it due to her surgery. 

Carmel was a bit hesitant to approach Can Assist as she thought someone else probably needed help more than her. But as she could not work for 5 months, and the bills had increased with the addition of the medical and travel bills, Carmel spoke to the lovely person at Can Assist – “they were really really good. They just allowed me to discuss what I wanted to, but the emotional support was there for sure.” Can Assist assisted with petrol vouchers which certainly helped with her 34 trips to Wagga, the costs of the accommodation at Lilier Lodge, and protein drinks that Carmel needed to build her strength before surgery. 

“So when you ‘re struggling with emotions, financial concerns are just an added worry, which was difficult. But thankfully, Can Assist relieved that burden for me.”