Cancer Centre a place of hope after 100 treatments

Gail Ashton was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at the end of 2014. On 23 March 2020 Gail celebrated her 100th treatment at St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s Cancer Centre.

26 Mar 2020

The use of the word ‘celebrated’ isn’t a slip of the tongue. Together with her husband and the caregivers who have been by her side for more than five years, they all celebrated the milestone.

And what a milestone it is.
Because on her initial diagnosis under Professor Kynan Feeney, Gail was told she might have around two years to live.

In the past five years, Gail and her husband have welcomed their five grandchildren into the world via two of their children, and saw their youngest son recently marry.
They have also travelled extensively across WA in their trusty caravan when Gail has had treatment breaks.

“When I was first diagnosed it was pretty dire at the time,” she said.

“You go through shock, and I also remember the first time at the Cancer Centre I just cried and cried because it seemed so overwhelming.”

Gail said it was the welcoming words of a perfect stranger sitting next to her receiving treatment that have stuck with her and proved true through the years.

“She told me that it wasn’t so bad and that these people are more like family,” she said.

“Here, you really feel like you are part of something. It’s nice to watch the staff and their families and be a part of their lives, it makes you feel connected.

“They have all become great friends and instead of being fearful of visiting, it becomes a refuge and a place of positivity and hope.

“It can be very overwhelming and the staff are great at clearing a pathway and making treatment feel achievable.

“They are all so professional and I can’t speak more highly of them.”

Congratulations on your amazing milestone, Gail!