More than 500 patients have already benefitted from Logan Hospital’s new Cancer Care Services, including 19-year-old Slacks Creek resident Jackie Lawler, who has been receiving fortnightly chemotherapy at the service since it opened.
For Jackie, being able to receive treatment just 10 minutes from home has made a significant difference as she navigates her cancer journey.
The second-year university student said she was feeling tired and not quite herself when she visited her doctor, with tests later revealing she had Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma.
Despite the shock of her diagnosis, Jackie has leaned into her faith and chosen to focus on what she can learn from the experience.
“I haven't really felt down about it because I trust that everything happens for a reason,” she said.
“Through this journey, I’m learning a lot about resilience and patience.”
Jackie is studying Psychology and Peace and Conflict at UQ while also completing a Certificate IV in Childcare. She hopes to eventually work with new immigrants to Australia after completing her degree.
For now, she is looking forward to returning to her three jobs when she completes her chemo in November.
With the completion of her treatment just months away, Jackie is concentrating on her mental and physical wellbeing.
After each treatment, she goes for a two-hour walk, which she said was an important part of staying mentally strong.
“Exercise and feeling strong is really important to me and helps me tolerate my treatment better,” she said.