Jenny’s Story

Jenny and her partner Steve moved to the Southern Highlands, after Jenny’s cancer, as she could not tolerate the heat of the Northern Rivers region. Jenny had gone through a year of treatment for breast cancer in 2018, including surgery to remove the lump in her breast, and surgery to remove infected lymph nodes. Then radiation and chemo. Jenny sees herself as a survivor of cancer, even though things are not the same for her – her hair hasn’t all come back (eyebrows, eyelashes), she has lost a bit of hearing, and she is still on treatment (7 pills a day).  

However, two years after they moved, Jenny’s partner was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer. Steve had surgery in Sydney where they removed the oesophagus and stretched the stomach. He then had to eat tiny, tiny portions of food. And he could never lie down again. He had to sit up forever – even sleeping – because everything would just come up to his throat. 

All of Steve’s other treatments were also in Sydney (chemo, radiation and specialist visits) – a four-hour round journey for a very ill patient. But oesophagus cancer is not curable. Steve knew he wasn’t going to live – he died in 2023. So very sad. 

Steve was the one to find Can Assist. Can Assist assisted with the costs of his medication, food vouchers and transport for treatments (all in Sydney). And they even supported Jenny with his funeral. “Can Assist were fabulous in supporting Steve and me and they continue to offer support to me as well”. Jenny now volunteers for Can Assist. 

“Cancer is not something that you just have … and you get over. It’s something for life. And Can Assist is a great platform to fall back on whenever need it”.