"Wound care post surgery"

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 while I lived in Geraldton. I had my surgery there and had my first contact with the breast cancer nurse after my initial diagnosis Northam in 2021, and I was referred to the breast cancer nurse in Northam. Having her seamlessly resume my care, coming to my home whenever she had pre-planned with me, and at other times when I contacted her with queries and concerns, made my journey less traumatic.

Unfortunately, late in 2025, I was again diagnosed with breast cancer, this time in the other breast. I was very upset to find that the current breast cancer nurse in Northam no longer comes to the home, and that even with my discharge from the metropolitan hospital just 3 days post-surgery, I was required to attend the Northam Hospital daily for management of my drain and wound, or for any discussion with the breast cancer nurse.

I found this very disruptive to my family life, as it required my husband to drive me to those appointments and he has many health issues of his own. I’m not sure if the lack of home visits is an across-the-board decision, or if it’s just a local decision, and I would value feedback about this.

Without the home visits this time, I have certainly found the post-op journey much more stressful and would hope that this letter will cause you to reconsider that decision.