"Cancer care journey"

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in late last year.  I completed 4 cycles of chemotherapy and had a unilateral mastectomy over the last few months.

With the exception of the surgery, all the treatment was completed in the public health system, at Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney.

I can’t speak highly enough of the treatment and care that many different staff provided.  A breast care nurse coordinator was appointed for me, and she was my first port of call for most appointments, as well as my many questions about chemo side effects.

The chemo ward staff were very caring and gave me plenty of time to ask questions.

The oncology team provided comprehensive advice.

The integrated treatments for breast cancer have become much more comprehensive since my first cancer journey in 2007, and I was referred to lymphoedema physiotherapy specialists, cardiac professionals, genetic testing counsellors and mental health counsellors as a matter of course.

I was also hospitalised shortly after my last chemo cycle for potential febrile neutropenia and was wonderfully cared for by the nurses for my 5 day stay.