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Kathleen was a 10-year breast cancer survivor, bravely facing life with hope, health and help from friends. In fact, she was at a breast cancer retreat with one such friend, who happened to mention that she was about to have a bone scan. “I wondered why I had never had one done,” Kathleen said. So she went to her family doctor and had the procedure arranged. She was shocked when the results came back positive for bone cancer. Now Kathleen has to travel to St. John’s for doctor’s appointments and regular bone scans.
Each trip Kathleen makes from her home in Labrador City for the cancer care she needs in St. John’s, costs her approximately $1,000. She makes about three such trips a year. And each time, she must make the journey alone because she simply can’t afford airfare for both her and her husband, Hubert. The couple have a son in Torbay, and it is wonderful to be able to visit with him and her granddaughter, but he works all day, and can not take his Mom back and forth to her appointments. So instead, Kathleen stays with her cousin-in-law and he drives her to the hospital. She is grateful for the help but every time she sees the hospital sign, Kathleen says, “I get butterflies in my stomach. I dread it and I’m nervous about going in. You never know what you will hear when you go in to see the doctor.” Her faith helps her get by — “I would advise people just to pray” — but the emotional and financial burdens can be a challenge.
“A facility like Daffodil Place would be great,” Kathleen says. “Just to have somewhere to socialize, chat and maybe play cards would be a big help.”
