This is Sarah.
She's why I feel so strong after a year of treatment. During chemo she kept me moving, even when it was hard. Because of her, I got back on my feet faster and fitter. All cancer patients should be referred to exercise physiologists, and have a fitness program.
This is Jo.
Yesterday we had our (almost) last consult. With her as my radiation oncologist extraordinaire I won a trifecta of brilliant, female breast cancer specialists. As dreadful as this ordeal has been, I could not have been in more caring hands, or met more beautiful souls.
This is Susan.
Since the horrors of chemo through this time of healing, she has eased nausea, released tension, balanced meridians and comforted my spirt. There isn't an ailment she can't address with an expertly placed needle. So to all I say, get thee an acupuncturist.
This is Bethany.
She trained in radiation therapy in the UK, but then Australia’s great weather and beautiful beaches brought her to our shores. And we are better for it: her skill and care made getting nuked every day for five weeks so easy.
This is Johanna.
As a nurse, she’s had a variety of roles, but likes oncology best because she cherishes seeing people recover. She’s been dressing my radiation burn which has crisped up nicely, and applies soothing dressings with the same skill she applies her awesome eyeliner.
This is Lia.
It's the combination of technical skill and caring for people that keep her interested in radiation therapy. Lia has wanted to work in healthcare since she was in school. Her enthusiasm for the field is clear every time she treats me.
This is Todd.
He always makes a hit of radiation feel like I’m hanging out with some mates at a local cafe. He came to radiation therapy after several roles in marketing and business. Working in healthcare doesn’t earn him as much, but he says he feels better about himself.
This is Jane.
She cared for me as I tearfully but gratefully farewelled the wonderful souls at the Kinghorn Day Spa after my last treatment. Jane trained in psychology in the Philippines, but when she moved to Australia chose to take up nursing. She says she never looked back.
This is Justin.
He’s a highlight of my visits to the Kinghorn Day Spa. Justin loved oncology nursing from day 1. He’s tried other areas, but always goes back. He says oncology patients are so thankful for what he does for them, and it just makes his day.
This is Rachel.
We met as school mums, but now I’m proud to call her my oncologist. Her vast medical knowledge of cancer and her fierce intellect are keeping me alive. And her warmth and compassion bring me enormous comfort.
This is Georgia.
She looked after me today at the Kinghorn Day Spa. She’s worried if she or a colleague contracts coronavirus, their whole team will have to self isolate. She wishes more people understood how damaging it could be to spread the virus to healthcare workers.
This is Peta.
She has a wealth of knowledge about breast cancer and the effects of chemo. As a McGrath Foundation Nurse, she has taken care of me since I started at the the Kinghorn Centre. There have been times I would have been totally lost without her.
This is Margaret.
On the day we met she drove in from Narrabeen to bring sustenance and good cheer to all of us getting chemo at the Kinghorn Day Spa. She began volunteering after retiring from teaching, which she loved, and now finds she looks forward to her weekly volunteer shift.
This is Susan
She is one of the few people I had contact with while isolated at home during coronavirus. With great care, she collected blood from me before each treatment. Susan would usually spend Easter with her family, but to protect me and other patients, she didn’t do that this year.
This is Fiona.
She has only cared for me once at the Kinghorn Day Spa, but from my first day there, her warm presence has made treatment easier. She always wanted to be a nurse and says it has meant she now counts some amazing nurses among her friends.
This is Lucas.
He welcomed me and the kids with incredible warmth on my first visit to the Kinghorn Day Spa, a daunting day for us all. After making a start in hospitality, Lucas retrained in nursing in his 30’s. He told us he thought there were better was to help people than asking, “How was your meal?”
This is Robyn.
She is a master at finding veins, putting in a canula comfortably, and easing any difficulties with chemo infusions. She's well-respected by other nurses in the oncology game, and with good reason.
This is Kriti.
She uses skills she acquired in Nepal in the nursing work she does here in Australia. And may one day take what she learns here back to Nepal.
This is the team of incredible women who performed my surgery.
They are vastly skilled, caring and compassionate. I could not have found myself in better hands.
This is Steph.
She grew up on the banks of the Murray River, and thinks she has found her calling in nursing. She is impeccably organised and even after a long night she helped me start my day with good cheer.
This is Sunil.
He delivers my meals, and insightful commentary on comparative religion and international relations. When he’s not working here, he’s working on his PhD in Political Studies.
This is Brigitte.
She speaks six languages, is training in nursing, and lifted my spirits one morning with a cuddle. She also offers great advice on making sure your head is in the right place when your body needs to heal.