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- Helen’s story: “I feel incredibly fortunate.”
Helen’s story: “I feel incredibly fortunate.”
At 73, Helen was swimming, golfing and staying active when a blood test revealed something she never expected. With very few symptoms, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
Supported closely by her children and McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sophie Norton, who cares for patients experiencing myeloma, Helen approached treatment with optimism and determination. Now feeling well and enjoying life, Helen is proud to play a part in the 2026 Pink Test.
When a routine blood test changed everything
After a blood test revealed severe anemia, Helen was admitted straight to hospital and diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer of the plasma cells. “You only hear the headline - there was a lot I didn’t take in.” Helen says.
Helen’s treatment followed a structured pathway involving oral and subcutaneous chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant which can be very physically demanding. “Stem cell transplants can be incredibly tough with wide ranging side effects like severe fatigue, infections and a long recovery,” McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sophie says. “But Helen breezed through it. For somebody of her age, I honestly couldn’t believe how well she did.”
As part of her ongoing care, Helen receives monthly bone-strengthening infusions and is on oral chemotherapy tablets indefinitely.
“Myeloma is a chronic disease.” Sophie adds. “There is no cure for it, we can keep it at bay, but it almost always returns.” It’s this uncertainty which can be most challenging for patients. “There can be an immense anxiety about the disease returning,” she says. “That’s why it’s important patients are well informed, understand their treatment regime and know what symptoms to watch for.”
“Myeloma is a chronic disease, There is no cure for it, we can keep it at bay, but it almost always returns.”
- Sophie
Support from McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Sophie
Throughout her cancer experience, Sophie has been a steady source of reassurance and support for Helen, ensuring she felt informed and confident at every stage. “Sophie is just incredible,” Helen says. “She’s extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and always available. Nothing is ever too much trouble.”
Sophie believes Helen’s mindset and physical strength made a significant difference. “Going in strong mentally and physically really supports how patients come out the other side,” she says.
For Sophie, being able to support patients like Helen is deeply meaningful. “I’m so proud to be in this position offering care to people with blood cancers,” she says. “I knew the gaps we had, and with the McGrath Foundation expanding its care to all cancers, we’re now able to start providing more coordinated and specialised support for people with blood cancers and their complex needs.”
Alongside Sophie, Helen’s family has been a constant source of strength. Her son Matt, a keen cricketer, attends the Pink Test every year, and this year, Helen will attend the 2026 Pink Test media launch herself sharing her own experience. “That’s me being able to give a little bit back,” she says. “I’m in.”
“She’s extremely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and always available. Nothing is ever too much trouble.”
- Helen
Vanessa Kostrz was diagnosed with breast cancer just 18 months after an anal cancer diagnosis. With back-to-back cancers, she knows the difference a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse makes.
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