Healthcare Navigator: helping you through a recent cancer diagnosis

The word cancer strikes a mortal blow to those hearing it, especially when their name is included in the same sentence! When this happens to us personally, it is not uncommon to not hear very many more of the words in the conversation, nor for the rest of that day’s conversations! You are in total shock! Your life seems to flash past your mind as though in fast-forward movie and you become acutely aware of the possible loss of everything that is near and dear to you. Taking a moment to be mindful and grateful for all the good things in our lives and celebrating them is a good way to help us manage the negative thoughts. No-one lives forever and no-one escapes alive! Enjoy what you can of what you have left. TAKE A BREATH!

You have the right to tell your medicos and loved ones that you need a little time and space before making possibly the biggest decision of your life. Many people feel they are ‘on their own’ and not having any real support or assistance in being able to meaningfully discuss their options and treatments with someone without an ‘axe to grind’ in pushing a particular treatment or direction at you. In times like these it is valuable to know that there is a dedicated and specialised support service out there with whom you can discuss these matters by phone appointment from the comfort of your own home.

Women are seemingly much better than men at verbalising their worries and concerns. This is healthy as if nothing else, a problem shared is a problem solved! However men don’t share this same level of openness to each other as the fairer sex do. There is almost unwritten rule that “Men are tough and don’t need help and support” or “I’ll tough it out on my own!” Such stupidity and needless suffering!

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer by BreastScreen in Nov 2019, I was feeling confused and scared about what was going to happen, and I was able to request Dr Rachel attend my appointment by telephone, which was really easy at short notice.

It was reassuring to have her in the meeting where the surgeon explained my diagnosis, treatment options and next steps. She guided me on questions to ask before I met him, she took notes and asked questions during the meeting that helped me understand, as I had so much going on in my mind at the time. By the time I got home (2 hours’ drive from the city of the meeting to my country home), a report of what was said at the meeting as well as words simplifying what the doctor had said to me were waiting for me. This helped me confident of what was discussed in the meeting with the surgeon and this allowed me to re-read when I was feeling calmer. This service is a must for especially for someone like me who is retired and lives in rural Australia, I had to drive a long way to see my specialist surgeon. Having someone listen and support during this stressful time was invaluable.

I am five years post breast cancer diagnosis and when I went for my annual check-up earlier this year, I decided to engage Dr Rachel from Health Equals Freedom just in case. As a cancer survivor, I am always waiting for the axe to fall at these appointments even though the chances of recurrence fall as each year passes.

What I hoped would be a routine check-up though ended up being quite stressful as the mammogram had revealed a potential new growth and the doctor wanted me to have a core biopsy to check whether the growth was cancerous. I did not want to share the news with my family at that stage, so Dr Rachel was the source of sanity who kept me from descending into a state of panic while I thought to myself ‘not again!’. Her calm, knowledgeable approach is so reassuring, and she was fantastic source of strength during that traumatic period. She asked the doctor the important questions I couldn’t ever think about while my mind (and stomach!) churned. Fortunately, the growth was not cancerous but thank goodness for Health Equals Freedom and their support during a difficult time.

English is not my first language. Dr Rachel attended my appointment with my oncologist, which she assisted me to find. Before the appointment she explained the results I had from my GP. She also listened to the oncologist with me and she simplified some big words and asked him extra questions. She also drew me pictures after the meeting. I could have three different problems that were confusing. She made me feel secure and not worried about anything, it made me feel relieved and supported.