My name is Karen. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother and in October 2024 at the age of 54, my life changed dramatically within 24 hours. I was feeling exhausted and really not myself, so after a routine blood test and thinking I had low iron, I was shocked to be contacted the following morning and told to get to the Royal Adelaide Hospital immediately. I had no idea what was happening, except the haematology team would be waiting for me. Once there I was taken into a room and told I had Cancer. After more blood tests and another 24 hours later I was told I had a rare form of Acute Lymphoblastic Luekamia (ALL). I started treatment straight away, including a bone marrow biopsy, steroids and chemotherapy. Sadly I had to quit my job.
Since October I’ve had several rounds of chemotherapy, lumbar punches, bone marrow biopsies and the list goes on. In May this year I finally had a bone marrow transplant for which I am extremely grateful. I’ve been in and out of hospital and had several scary events such as <1 platelets, 640mls fluid drained from my lung, heart scares, critically high potassium etc. My husband visited daily, paying for petrol, food, car parking and other expenses.
My haematology team are amazing, so are the nurses, all the staff in the Cancer Day Centre and Day Surgery unit.
Now I’m home, we still have to attend the hospital 3-4 times a week for bloods, numerous tests and clinic appointments.
The ongoing costs of travel (fuel) and car parking fees, along with the usual groceries, household bills, medication etc, is taking a toll on us financially and will continue to impact us for many months, if not years to come.
Unfortunately, we live 65km from the hospital, so a round trip of 130km 3-4 times a week.
Any support would be greatly appreciated, and all money will go towards travel expenses and other household costs.
