Finding into death of Cherie Deanne Alderson

42y · Female·Metastatic breast cancer

Cherie Alderson, aged 42, died from metastatic breast cancer at a hospice after progressive deterioration. She had cerebral palsy from infancy and lived in Department of Human Services care for 42 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2008, she underwent mastectomy, radiotherapy, and oophorectomy. Despite initial disease stabilisation, metastases recurred and she was admitted to hospice in June 2010 for pain management. Her condition deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated, with increased drowsiness and fever managed with comfort measures. The finding contains no indication of clinical mismanagement, diagnostic error, or preventable factors. Care at the DHS home and hospice was described as attentive and appropriate.