A Retired Oncology Nurse’s Battle Against Cancer
Donna Harvey, a 75-year-old retired oncology nurse, is currently facing one of the most challenging periods of her life. Diagnosed with sarcoma last December, she has been battling not only the disease but also the financial strain it has brought upon her and her husband.
Living in Hampshire, Ms. Harvey and her husband must travel to London for treatment at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. Each round trip costs £90 for both of them, making it a significant expense. With upcoming surgery scheduled for next week, she will be staying in the hospital for a month, which brings some relief from the constant travel costs. However, the financial burden remains a major concern.
Ms. Harvey admits that the cost of transportation has been the most difficult part of her journey. She explains that they have had to cut back on food and live more simply to afford the train fares. Despite this, she mentions that there are various grants available, though she does not qualify for any of them.
The couple has resorted to selling personal belongings to cover the expenses. Her husband has even sold his media collection to help pay for the train fares. While this has provided some relief, the cost remains high. They were hoping her husband could stay in a nearby hotel during her hospitalization, but this is still out of their reach.
“We were hoping my husband could just stay for a couple of days at a hotel, but we don’t have the money,” she said. “He’ll stay for a little bit, and then have to go home, and we’ll have to just talk on the phone to each other.”
After her surgery, Ms. Harvey will undergo radiation therapy in Southampton, which will bring additional travel costs. She is worried about the £1,000 in travel expenses that this will incur. She wishes her husband could accompany her, as she feels vulnerable traveling alone. The treatment requires five days a week for five weeks, and the trip takes two hours, making it a long and tiring journey.
To help with these costs, Ms. Harvey set up a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised over £1,200. She expressed her gratitude for the donations, saying she was amazed by the kindness of strangers who contributed without knowing her personally. However, she notes that donations have slowed down over time.
Despite the challenges, Ms. Harvey remains hopeful. She says that after her surgery, they will not have any transportation costs for over a month. However, she is unsure about what kind of support she will need at home after the operation. She acknowledges that recovery can be difficult, as muscle tissue may be affected, making walking challenging.
She praised the staff at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, which operates one of Europe’s largest and most renowned sarcoma services. She described the care provided as advanced and the staff as amazing, despite the long wait times due to the NHS.
Ms. Harvey’s journey highlights the importance of support for cancer patients, whether medical or financial. She emphasizes the need for timely treatment and adequate resources for those going through similar experiences.
Her story serves as a reminder of the hidden struggles many face when dealing with serious illnesses, beyond just the medical aspects. It underscores the need for community support and better access to healthcare services.
