The double whammy in the health care system has left a woman ravaged by cancer unable to access crucial palliative chemo treatment.

Now, her family is pleading for help.

The 63-year-old, who’s from the Burin Peninsula, was first diagnosed a year-and-a-half ago – but with a good prognosis.

Then, things went south.

Palliative chemo was to begin just as the cyberattack hit and knocked out most of our health care system.

Things are returning gradually, including chemotherapy at the Cancer Care Centre, but the woman’s sister, Julie Mitchell, told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly yesterday that she has not been able to rebook chemo despite being in pain.

She says they check in every day but all they are being told by the system is that they’re still in catchup mode.

Monday was the first time that Julie saw her sister cry.

She does not blame the health care system or government – the family just wants help.

“I just want someone to make her comfortable for the time that she has left. I don’t even know where to go anymore.”