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Angela's story: "The caring compassionate strength that she has in her has helped me so much."

Angela Bonfiglio and McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Linda sitting down together outside

Angela, 63, a Primary School Teacher from Five Dock in Sydney is the patient of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Linda Nolasco who supports people with breast cancer at Concord Hospital. 

Angela was diagnosed breast cancer in October 2024. With Angela’s Mother sadly passing away from breast cancer, Angela had regular mammograms and was seeing a breast specialist due to her family history. It was during a routine mammogram that something was detected that her specialist wanted to investigate further. After a PET scan and lumpectomy, it was confirmed that Angela had stage 2B breast cancer and was sent for surgery to have a mastectomy of her right breast.

“She’s been so reassuring and during my treatment checked in with me every single morning to see if I was OK or if there was anything I was worried about.”

- Angela

Following her surgery, Angela was sent to have her continuing treatment at Concord Hospital. It was then that she met her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Linda, who has supported her through three rounds of chemotherapy and 12 round rounds of radiation, with another three rounds to come.   

 Speaking about the care and support that Linda provides, Angela said, “Linda and I got on immediately. She really listens and that’s what I love. She’s been so reassuring and during my treatment checked in with me every single morning to see if I was OK or if there was anything I was worried about. The caring compassionate strength that she has in her has helped me so much.” 

Angela's McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Linda Nolasco

Linda Nolasco is a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse based at Concord Hospital who supports people with breast cancer and their families in Sydney’s Inner West and surrounding districts.  

 Linda has been a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse since March 2017 and a registered nurse since 1981. She has a Graduate Certificate in Oncology, with a major in breast cancer. 

Speaking about the support and care that she provides her patients, Linda says: “The most important thing I do for my patients is to advocate for them and facilitate assistance with their individual needs. Every day I make a difference supporting patients with breast cancer by being there, providing valid clinical information regarding their care and being the patient navigator across a sometimes-daunting health system.”  

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