Cancer is a devastating diagnosis received by about 1300 Northlanders each year. This series by Northern Advocate health reporter Denise Piper investigates cancer patients fundraising for better treatment, how Northland compares with the rest of the country and what is being done to improve cancer treatment here. Here she talks to Whangārei mum Jacqualine Findlater about her cancer journey and how she feels let down by the health system.
Whangārei mother-of-three Jacqualine Findlater admits she feels let down by the health system, as she raises funds for a drug to extend her life. The 38-year-old was diagnosed in August with an aggressive form of colorectal cancer - stage 4 adenocarcinoma - which spread from her bowel to her stomach lining, lungs, spine and lymph nodes. But before the diagnosis, she was in and out of hospital for three months as clinicians battled to work out what was causing her pain, fatigue, nausea and weight loss.
Due to her young age, a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy was assumed but Findlater said she knew it was something far sinister..