A week of probing by doctors and her life was turned upside down with the shock discovery of nine tumours throughout her body.

Family was the most important thing to Jane, right up until she passed away on March 2 this year.

In light of National Palliative Care Week, Jane's family has opened up about her journey from the hospital to palliative care in their Warrnambool home.

"Jane only spent three weeks in hospital, then we cared for her at home," adoring sister Julie said.

"Her only wish was to be at home and thanks to the palliative care team we were able to make Jane's wish come true.

"We are forever grateful to them, it takes a special person to do the job they do."

Harsh bouts of radiation and chemotherapy, and the side effects following rendered Jane unable to walk and in a wheelchair.

She required 24 hour care which was made easy by the South Western Regional Palliative Care Team.

"We wouldn't have been able to do it without them," Jane's mum Marie said.

"We could call them any time, even if it was 3am in the morning they would be around within five minutes of us calling.

"Jane was a private person and her dignity meant a lot to her, being at home meant that she could always be with us, whether we were caring for her or just sitting in the living room.

"She could be her normal self."

Palliative care nurse Vikki Hoy was just one in a team of medical professionals that oversaw Jane's care and, sitting at the Threfall family dining room table, reminisced on the memories she and the staff had with the family.

"Jane needed both emotional and physical support, whether it was help with showering, going to the toilet or even just general grooming," she said.

"She needed her dressings changed twice a day as well as specialist equipment to help her with day-to-day activities.

"Jane was one of a kind, no matter how much pain she was in she would always thank us, she was always kind."

On top of the care from medical staff, the South West Healthcare palliative team also provided essential equipment such as a height-adjustable hospital bed in her room, a specialist reclining chair and a toilet seat, all free of charge.

"We hire the equipment for the families free of charge and we get our budget through the hospital," Ms Hoy said.

"Taking a loved one into palliative care is a huge undertaking, you have to be prepared to put your life on hold."

Sister Julie did just that, quitting her job and moving back into the family home to care for Jane despite having four boys of her own to look after.

"We started our lives sharing a room and ended that way," she said.

"Sometimes you would go three days without sleep, it was hard, cruel and unforgiving at times, but we were so blessed.

"Jane loved all of her carers, they were so good to her.

"We wanted to share our story to show other people that it is achievable to nurse your loved one at home."\

The theme for National Palliative Care Week 2019 from May 19 to 25 was 'What matters most?'

READ more:

South West Healthcare encourages community engagement, reflection for National Palliative Care Week

National Palliative Care Week is supported by the Department of Health to raise awareness and understanding about palliative care in the Australian community.

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