An Oakey grandmother undergoing treatment for two separate cancer diagnoses is continuing to work full-time despite the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy and radiation, highlighting the financial pressures faced by some Australians battling serious illness.
Eileen Drenan was first diagnosed with cervical cancer around Christmas 2025. After undergoing major surgery and beginning her recovery, she received another devastating diagnosis—stage two breast cancer—requiring additional rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
According to her daughter, Monique Somerfield, the second diagnosis came as an enormous shock for the family after they had already begun adjusting to Eileen's first cancer battle. She described her mother as a resilient country woman who has remained positive despite the physical pain and emotional strain of multiple treatments.
The intensive treatment has caused significant side effects, including hair loss, fatigue and a weakened immune system. Because chemotherapy increases the risk of infection, Eileen has been unable to spend as much time with her young grandchildren as she would like. Her family says one of the hardest parts of her illness has been being unable to regularly hug and hold the children she adores, including her newborn granddaughter.
Despite her health challenges, Eileen continues to work full-time as a duty manager at the Oakey RSL. Her daughter said she has little choice because she does not qualify for sufficient government financial assistance and still needs an income to cover everyday living expenses alongside growing medical and recovery costs. Rather than resting between treatments, she has continued working whenever physically able.
Monique said her mother is well known throughout the local community and is a familiar face to patrons and veterans who regularly visit the Oakey RSL. She described Eileen as someone who genuinely cares about customers and members, often building close relationships with those who attend the venue. Family members believe she should be concentrating on recovery rather than worrying about finances.
To help ease the financial burden, Monique has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to assist with treatment expenses, travel costs and day-to-day living expenses while her mother continues fighting both cancers. The fundraiser aims to allow Eileen to reduce her workload and focus more on her health and recovery instead of maintaining full-time employment throughout treatment.
The family's story has resonated with many in the Darling Downs community, drawing attention to the financial difficulties that can accompany serious illness even for people who remain employed. Rising treatment-related expenses, reduced capacity to work and limited eligibility for some forms of financial assistance continue to place pressure on many cancer patients across regional Australia.
While Eileen remains determined to continue fighting both cancers, her family hopes community support will ease some of the financial stress and allow her to prioritise recovery, spend more time with loved ones and regain her health.
