Doctors have told Anna Bay’s Tania Clark to get her affairs in order but she’s more determined to make sure future cancer patients have an easier run.
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Ms Clark has bowel cancer and exists on a disability pension, good for “no more than $30 a week” in food, and she’s racked up $20,000 in pharmacy debt.
She used to rely on the community bus for transport to chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Mater Hospital – $11 each way - and “doesn’t know” what entertainment is.
“Talking to other cancer patients, the system isn’t working,” she said.
“Our politicians need to stop giving themselves pay rises. I haven’t had a decent meal in four years.”
She holds out the palm of her hand.
“What I eat is no bigger than this. By the time I pay rent, electricity and medical expenses, there isn’t anything left.”
Ms Clark was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 50, on January 31, 2013, after she took a screening test delivered to her home.
“It’s stuck in my head, it was 10.30am at Salamander Bay,” she said.
“He got me into the office and said ‘you’ve got bowel cancer’. What happened in the next two hours, I don’t know.”
Five days later she had three-quarters of her bowel removed.
“I didn’t feel sick at all,” she said.
“Now I wear a colostomy bag. I used to care for people who had them - no one my age though.”
Her doctors prescribe powerful painkillers including endone and oxycontin as well as anti-nausea tablets.
“You swallow those like lollies,” she said.
“When you’re coming home with eight or nine scripts you’re owing $60 each time,” she said.
“Even getting them at the Mater costs you.
“I’m a month behind in my rent and I can’t even afford some fish and chips.”
The system, she said, needs a shake up.
“When you’re terminal, it should be straight through the door, all expenses covered,” she said.
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said she was eager to speak with Ms Clark to “hear her concerns” and “make representations with relevant ministers”.