But on Monday she created history, becoming the first patient treated at the new $35 million Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre.

“My husband and I drove past this centre prior to my diagnosis when it was being constructed and I said I never want to be in there,” she said.

“In the end, I had to come here.

“Life changes and here I am, the first ever patient. I do feel special.”

With her husband Ray sitting alongside her, Mrs Weeks had her second last treatment of chemotherapy, which she has undergone for the past six months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

“I was 40 when diagnosed, I’m young, fit and healthy. You’re not supposed to get cancer. It just shows it doesn’t discriminate – anyone can get cancer,” she said.

“But it is wonderful to have such a centre right here in the Shoalhaven.

“But honestly, hopefully my next treatment will be the last time.”

She said the difference between the old facility at Shoalhaven Hospital and the new service in the Scenic Drive complex was massive.

“The old centre was small, just a small box with six beds.

“This is unbelievable – it is big, spacious and what a view.

“We had no view at all in the old centre, just four walls.”

An outlook is important when you can sit anywhere from an hour up to eight hours during treatment.

“This is just amazing and I feel so honoured to be the first patient,” she said.

“The doctors and nurses are amazing, they are special people.”