Turning 50 is a huge milestone and Lorna Treacey was looking forward to a new chapter in her life. Her children were adults and living independent lives.
But seven weeks after her 50th birthday, Lorna felt a lump under her armpit.
“I had a mammogram before I turned 50 and it came back clear. Six months later, I had a 7cm tumour in my breast,” Lorna said.
“It’s always someone else, until it’s not.”
It took five months and 10 trips to Adelaide from Whyalla so that Lorna could have IV chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a masectomy and surgery to remove her lymph nodes.
“The trips to Adelaide became really expensive, and accommodation prices were crazy after Covid,” she said.
However, there was financial respite during her five-week radiation treatment. Lorna was recommended The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s Under Our Roof accommodation, a family style home in Woodville West for a subsidised cost.
The spacious home was roomy enough for her parents and children to stay with her and provide support during her radiation therapy treatment.
“Having that house was a godsend,” said Lorna.
“It takes the financial pressure off, which takes away the stress and worry. It made a huge difference in our lives.”
After radiotherapy Lorna finished six rounds of oral chemotherapy and has returned to work a few mornings a week and is finally starting to feel that life is going back to normal.
Under Our Roof is one of four family-style homes for country patients and their families to stay in while they undergo cancer treatment.
For more information or to book a stay, visit HospitalResearch.org.au/UnderOurRoof or speak to our friendly team on (08) 8244 1100.