Delay and cost of treatment

[CR69]

My mother has been recently diagnosed with a  rare form of  Stage 4 Gastro cancer.  The diagnosis was made 6 weeks ago at a Western Sydney hospital.

Since the diagnosis we have been shuffled between lung specialists, gastroenterologists, been mistakenly given a referral for another patient and watched my mother decline and deteriorate due to not being able to eat. We finally saw an oncologist today who informed us mum would be eligible for immunotherapy trial on 22 December.  We conveyed to oncologist that this was too far away. Oncologist advised that mum could take part in another immunotherapy trial that would cost us $60,000.

The money is not an issue, more problematic is the slow process waiting for treatment and relying on a medical system that seems to favour private patients. I am hoping someone will read my post and offer advice around a similar experience or recommend another hospital or treatment.  

[Katekat]

Hello and welcome to the community @CR69, just bumping this up for you.

How's your mother doing today?

Due to your mother's recent diagnosis, you may like to give our team on 13 11 20 a call and enquire about any services or support she and yourself may be eligible for.

One service we have that comes to mind, is our Cancer Connect program where people who have been recently diagnosed can talk with a trained volunteer over the phone about their experiences. We can also match people with a volunteer who may have had a similar treatment that you might be considering. Since your Mum is in NSW, you can call the Connect team direct on 9334-1870 🙂

[Katekat]

Hi @CR69,

I just reread your original post and realised your Mum has stage 4 Gastro cancer, so Connect may not be the best option for her.

However, we do have Telephone Support Groups (TSG) for people with advanced cancers, as well as for people such as yourself who may be caring for someone with cancer. These are similar to what you'd find with a face-to-face support group but conducted over the phone twice a month and they are free. You're more than welcome to contact the team on 1300 755 632, Mon-Thurs 

But definitely give 13 11 20 a call, as our team here are amazing and I think they will be able to help.

[IvyJ]

Hi, sorry to hear that. I just read your post and how was your mother right now. Was the immune therapy working? Hope everything fine with you. Ivy J