Lachana's story: “Their support gave me the confidence to move forward”

Her diagnosis came at a pivotal time in her life, as she navigated treatment, motherhood and complex decisions about protecting her long-term health and the future of her family. At just 35, this included undergoing a bilateral mastectomy and risk-reducing surgery that resulted in surgical menopause, choices that carried significant physical and emotional challenges. 

Throughout her experience, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses Rebecca and Melissa provided invaluable support, helping coordinate her care and guiding her through the practical and emotional realities of cancer treatment while raising a young family. 

Lachana's story highlights the importance of early detection and the vital role specialist cancer nurses play in supporting people through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. 

Diagnosis

In mid-2024, while pregnant with her daughter, an MRI revealed a mass. At 18 weeks' gestation, Lachana underwent an MRI-guided biopsy. The results were benign, but given her genetic risk, her medical team increased the frequency of her surveillance, a decision that brought considerable relief. 

In late-2025, further imaging showed changes in the mass and an increase in its size. A repeat biopsy confirmed hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Within eight days of her diagnosis, Lachana underwent a bilateral mastectomy with tissue-sparing surgery. The early detection meant she could avoid chemotherapy and radiation.  

While her healthcare background helped her understand the anticipated clinical pathway ahead, but knowing what to expect medically did little to prepare her for the emotional impact of the diagnosis. 

“Telling my family was one of the hardest parts because of the genetic component,” she says. “We already knew the BRCA2 gene was carried by my maternal side, but for some relatives, this diagnosis brought the reality of their own risk much closer. I inherited CHEK2 from my paternal side, which was a complete surprise.” 

Lachana's relationship with her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses Rebecca and Melissa

Lachana first met McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Rebecca Rowe through the high-risk breast clinic, before later being supported by McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Melissa Gosper following her diagnosis. 

Lachana says of Rebecca, "Whether it was a text or an email, she was always there. She made moving through the healthcare system so much easier, so when you walk into a big hospital, you don't just feel like a number." 

Rebecca says Lachana approached her diagnosis with remarkable clarity and determination. 

"She was very pragmatic from the beginning and understood the importance of acting quickly," Rebecca says. "Our role was to help coordinate her care including scans, appointments with specialists, and to support her through each stage of the process." 

Working alongside Rebecca, Melissa helped coordinate appointments, advocate for Lachana within the healthcare system, and ensured there was a clear plan in place throughout her treatment journey. 

"When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, we look at much more than the cancer itself," Melissa says. "We consider their support networks, family circumstances, treatment timeframes and the practical challenges they may face, so we can help reduce some of that burden and keep their care moving forward." 

Rebecca and Melissa focused on ensuring Lachana felt informed, supported and in control during what was a fast-moving treatment pathway. Following surgery, they continued to provide practical support, helping coordinate post-operative care and pain management, and providing a trusted point of contact during her recovery. 

Lachana says, “Knowing what needed to be done didn’t make it any easier. There was an enormous amount to take in, both physically and emotionally, while also trying to navigate life with a young family at home. Melissa was a constant source of reassurance, helping me to feel that, despite everything, things would be okay. Their support gave me the confidence to move forward and, in time, begin to feel like myself again.” 

Navigating cancer with a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse

For patients like Lachana, who are balancing cancer treatment alongside the realities of a young family, having a consistent point of contact can be invaluable. McGrath Cancer Care Nurses provide reassurance, continuity and someone who understands both the medical and personal challenges unfolding behind every appointment. 

"Cancer treatment isn't just about treating the disease," Melissa says. "It's about understanding the person behind the diagnosis, helping them navigate the healthcare system and making sure they have the right support at the right time." 

Melissa says younger patients can face a unique set of challenges, often balancing treatment alongside work, family responsibilities and future plans. 

"Making sure patients feel informed, supported and empowered throughout their treatment experience helps them feel more confident and in control at a time when so much can feel uncertain." 

Reflecting on her experience, Lachana says the support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses was invaluable, even with her own clinical background. 

"They make what can be a very impersonal experience feel incredibly personal. Having someone who knows you, who can answer your questions and help you navigate the healthcare system is invaluable. I can't imagine how overwhelming it would have been without them." 

In the months since her diagnosis, surgery and recovery, Lachana’s family has grown through the generosity of surrogacy with the arrival of her son, while now she awaits breast reconstruction and continues to watch her overall health while in remission.