Consumer Stories

Behind every cancer nurse is a story of unwavering support, highly skilled practice, and specialist knowledge.

We're grateful to the consumers who have shared their stories with us and expressed gratitude for the high level of care they've received from their cancer nurses, highlighting the difference that a dedicated cancer nurse makes in the lives of those facing cancer. Explore these personal accounts to understand the vital role a cancer nurse plays in supporting patients through their most challenging moments.

Scott
I was diagnosed with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in August 2020

Scott

Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, diagnosed 2020

From diagnosis, chemo treatment (Nepean oncology unit), surgery/Stoma support (Nepean Hospital) & ongoing checkups, all the nurses have made this surreal experience bearable. They are empathetic, humorous, genuine and overall bloody nice people.

Scott

Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, diagnosed 2020

I recall one particular oncology nurse who was looking after me (I was in a trial), who always made me feel optimistic without being over the top. She always listened and imbued positive encouragement. I remember one day she experienced a terrible family misfortune, which she discussed with me. I was saddened by her dilemma, but at the same time was privileged that she could discuss this matter with me. I hope my few words of encouragement went a little way to help, considering all the support I received from her.

Scott

Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, diagnosed 2020

To all the nursing staff at Nepean Oncology unit. "Keep up the fantastic work". Sometimes I don’t think you all realise how important you are to your patients and their families. THANK YOU!

Scott

Julie
I was treated for stage four, HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer in my tonsils, back of tongue and side of throat in 2013.

Julie

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer, diagnosed 2013

My Cancer Nurse Co-ordinator Suzie Flynn guided me through the toughest experience of my life. To survive a head and neck cancer you need a large multidisciplinary team. My life-saving radiation treatment meant I could not speak and only drink liquid food for several months. Dental care is crucial. My cancer nurse made sure I had care from the right person at the right time and she gave me great emotional support.

Julie

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer, diagnosed 2013

I have deep veins in my hands. One day in chemotherapy, after several attempts to get the cannula in, they called Suzie and she got it straight in. Her co-ordination and emotional support skills were underpinned by clinical experience and expertise.

Julie

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer, diagnosed 2013

I thank new and more experienced nurses for choosing cancer care and I urge you to care for yourselves as well so you can stay supporting us patients who need and value you so highly.

Julie

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer, diagnosed 2013

Emma
In January 2021, I booked an appointment for my first mammogram and ultrasound at 41, expecting normal results.

Emma

Breast Cancer, diagnosed 2021

Dawn, my Specialist Breast Care Nurse helped me to navigate my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment from the very beginning of the journey and remained by my side through the 12 months of intensive treatment and beyond. She was always there to listen and give me invaluable advice as well as calmly guide me through many stressful situations. I felt very comfortable talking to her about anything that was worrying me, and she was always so caring, reassuring and understanding. This significantly reduced my anxiety levels and allowed me to complete the treatment and continue to work as a physiotherapist in a hospital. Dawn also promptly referred me to the psychology service which further helped me to navigate the challenges of a young woman with a cancer diagnosis. Although I faced several challenges along the way, I always knew that I could turn to Dawn for her prompt advice. She always had a solution to any issue or problem that I was experiencing and spoke with so much compassion. Dawn helped me in so many ways to become the strong and resilient person I am now.

Emma

Breast Cancer, diagnosed 2021

At the initial appointment with the Specialist Breast Surgeon, I was given the details of my breast cancer and the subsequent treatment plan that I would have to undergo. This put me into a complete state of shock, and I was feeling terrified and distraught especially when chemotherapy was mentioned. The surgeon organised for me to immediately see Dawn, a Specialist Breast Care Nurse who further explained the details about what would happen next. She told me that I had to first focus on the surgery and mentioned that there was a way to retain my hair with the use of the cold cap system. This really helped to reduce my anxiety and gave me a glimmer of hope. I was prepared to endure whatever side effects I might have from the treatment, however losing my hair was one of my biggest fears. Dawn also visited me for both of my surgeries which really helped to reduce my fear surrounding the potential outcome of the operations and this gave me a lot of reassurance. This early contact with Dawn had an enormous impact on my ability to deal with the difficult and scary situation I was facing.

Emma

Breast Cancer, diagnosed 2021

I would like to personally thank Dawn for all her incredible support and guidance in helping me to navigate my cancer journey including through some of the most difficult and challenging times of my life. She was always there to help me whenever needed and I am forever grateful for all her invaluable advice and expertise. I would not have coped with the cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as I did without her by my side very step of the way. The role of the Specialist Breast Care Nurse is essential to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer and I am very passionate about recognising their contributions to our overall experience and journey.

Emma

Breast Cancer, diagnosed 2021

Frances
I was diagnosed with Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer in 2015 at age 50.

Frances

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer, diagnosed in 2015

I had 27 BCG installations (and then several Mitomycin and Gemcitabine) at John Hunter Hospital Urology Clinic. The nurses were wonderful every time. Having also had many associated admissions and interactions with medical personnel who don't necessarily know anything about your type of cancer, it is so good to be cared for by a nurse trained in bladder cancer, its treatment and surgeries.

Frances

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

I was lucky to be looked after by Hong Huynh, the urology Clinical Nurse Consultant. She was absolutely wonderful in the lowest physical and emotional time of my life. Despite her role as CNC she helped me in all aspects of my nursing care needs from a pre-operative visit to education, advocacy and being on call 24/7 after surgery. Her support was invaluable.

Frances

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Hong Huynh gave me my first shower and walked me around the ward after surgery. She checked on me every day and constantly reassured me. I was so fortunate to be so cared for by someone who truly cared and was a specialist in urology and my rare type of surgery that required months of recovery and adjustment. I live 2 hours away from the hospital so appreciated her calls to check on me and the ability to contact her if I needed.

Frances

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Thank you for taking care beyond the physical; cancer is either life-limiting or threatens to be, with curative surgery radically changing a person's body and life and how they see themselves from thereon. Sensitivity and interest in a patient's life add to our sense of worth and ultimately hope for the future.

Frances

Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer