Michael Warren

Journalist

A local woman is on a mission to create awareness and kickstart a campaign that will secure improved treatment facilities for those that need ongoing cancer treatment within the Douglas Shire.

Louise Wall’s husband has been battling cancer for the past 25 years. 

Last year he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma which saw cancer spread to five separate parts of his body.

As such it was a over a month before he could get any treatment as the wait for a pet scan in Brisbane took forever to be confirmed after being booked and then cancelled three separate times.

The ongoing delays and uncertainty around how quickly he could receive treatment proved a massive ongoing concern and frustration to Ms Wall and her husband.

“Imagine the stress of wondering if the cancer was spreading while we were waiting for this scan?

“In the end after many teary phone calls we were able to get the scan done in Brisbane. Yes, we were grateful for that appointment but it’s just not good enough.”

Louise suggested navigating and managing the stress of cancer related matters takes a toll.

“Imagine being diagnosed with cancer and having to travel a few hours to get your life saving treatment,” Louise wrote on her petition.

“First of all there is the initial shock of diagnosis. Then there is a gruelling wait for specialist appointments, blood tests and scans before any treatment can even be started.  

“Once treatment is decided, unfortunately none of it can be done at Mossman Hospital as firstly they do not have the space or any of the facilities needed.

“Imagine having chemotherapy and feeling so sick afterwards and then having to travel down the highway to get home. Or having radiotherapy and your skin is so burnt you are unable to put your seatbelt on.”

You can join Louise’s push to attain better local health services by visiting https://www.change.org/p/cancer-care-for-our-community