Tara Murray
A Craigieburn mother battling cancer is calling for more support to help cancer sufferers afford valuable and vital treatment.
Carol Milwain, who has two different cancers in her breast, has to pay for treatment herself because it’s not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
She said she was unsure how much the treatment would eventually cost, after being given a number of different figures.
“It’s quite expensive, I got told it was $6000 and then $26,000 and then looking on google it could be $50,000,” she said.
“The treatment is only being recommended to me to get the optimum benefit.”
“I’m the only one that works, so it is scary.
“I worry about the mortgage and the finances and everything on top of dealing with it, like just the shock of the whole thing.”
Ms Milwain was diagnosed with paget’s breast cancer, which affects the nipple, after more than 12 months of mammogram and ultrasound results coming back clear.
It was only when she paid to see a specialist that she was diagnosed.
Ms Milwain has a stage 3 tumor in her breast and is looking at 18 months of chemotherapy, surgery, a mastectomy and medication.
Because she isn’t classified as having stage four cancer, she’s unable to access her superannuation to help with payments.
“We’re not at the stage where I’m terminally ill and likely to die in the next 24 months, so I can’t access my super, which I have plenty of,” she said.
“I would have been able to access my super had I been affected by COVID, but not if I have cancer.”
Ms Milwain is speaking out in the hope that something can be done to help others in the same situation.
“I will go to my local MP and speak to them about some support … and see what else is out there.
“I’m strong as it’s not just for me, I have a young son who is only 14.
“Imagine this happening to someone with a really young family, it’s horrible. I’m just focusing on one week at a time.”
Carol’s sister Tammie Milwain Marguccio has set up a GoFundMe page for Carol.
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/cancer-medication-for-my-sister-carol
