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- Rachel’s story: “Everything changed so fast”
Rachel’s story: “Everything changed so fast”
At 45, Rachel was living a full and busy life with her husband, four children and two young grandchildren when what felt like a minor stomach issue led to the discovery of bowel cancer.
In just ten weeks, she went from working full time, studying part-time, and managing her household to navigating major surgery, a stoma, and a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Kristyn and Sarah, have become a steady source of calm, guidance and support.
Rachel's diagnosis and treatment
Despite being a nurse with more than 25 years’ experience, Rachel’s symptoms were so mild they barely registered as a concern. After a late lunch, she felt what she thought was indigestion. When it didn’t settle after a week, she visited her GP, who wasn’t overly worried but suggested further checks after symptoms worsened.
Rachel had a full bowel obstruction. The scan revealed a 22cm mass in her large bowel, and a mass on her right ovary. She and her husband, Nathan, were told to pack a bag and head straight to hospital.
“I’ve stayed calm the whole way through,” she says. “Maybe because of my nursing background, I always prepare for the worst case.”
The next 48 hours were filled with tests, colonoscopy, pelvic ultrasound, and repeat scans. Her colorectal surgeon confirmed what no one is ready to hear, it was bowel cancer. “I cried for a few minutes, then thought - tears won’t get me anywhere. What’s the next step?”
Rachel’s thoughts immediately went to her family. Her eldest two children, both police officers, were coping well, but it was hardest on her youngest daughter, who was in the middle of her HSC. Rachel missed her formal and graduation while in hospital.
Rachel underwent major surgery with two teams, colorectal and gynaecological. It involved a left hemicolectomy and formation of a stoma, along with the removal of both fallopian tubes and her left ovary. Pathology later confirmed the cancer was confined to her bowel. She spent nineteen days in hospital.
Nineteen days earlier she had been working, studying, and running a household - now she was learning to live with a stoma and preparing for chemotherapy.
“Everything changed so fast, ten weeks ago I was living a totally normal life.” Rachel said.
Rachel began chemotherapy in November 2025 and is still in treatment.
“Everything changed so fast, ten weeks ago I was living a totally normal life.”
- Rachel
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The Care of Rachel's McGrath Cancer Care Nurses
Rachel met her first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Kristyn, during her initial oncology appointment.
“She was an absolute angel,” Rachel says. “I’ve worked in health most of my life and never spent time in oncology. It’s a completely different feel. Kristyn had this calmness about her, and her care is so person-centred. Her first questions were about me, my kids, and what support we needed.”
“Part of our role is making sure the family has information, reassurance, and a plan. When the family is coping well, the patient feels more at ease.” Kristyn says.
Then, on her first day of chemotherapy, Rachel met her other McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sarah.
“Sarah was amazing as well. She broke everything down so simply and wanted to understand my life so she could help. I cannot speak highly enough of the two McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.”
Rachel’s gratitude for Sarah was matched by Sarah’s admiration for her.
“Even after major surgery, Rachel showed up looking fresh as a daisy and ready to get on with it. She’s so positive and strong, the kind of person who takes everything in her stride.”
“I cannot speak highly enough of the two McGrath Cancer Care Nurses.”
- Rachel
It’s only been a matter of months, yet the care Rachel has received from both nurses is already profound.
“I’m just one person, and yet they make me feel like I’m the only person they’re looking after. McGrath Cancer Care Nurses take the load off; they give you a plan. They give you calm within the chaos.”
Kristyn and Sarah’s approach is holistic, helping Rachel navigate treatment decisions, manage her stoma, support her husband and children, and keep life moving. “When she told us she wanted to go to a wedding, we said, if you feel well enough, absolutely go. Treatment is important, but so is life,” reiterates Kristyn.
As she continues her chemotherapy, Rachel is taking each day as it comes, adjusting, healing, and finding her footing with the steady support of her McGrath Cancer Care Nurses. Their calm reassurance, practical guidance, and constant presence have given her the confidence to move through treatment and still stay connected to the life she loves.
“Everything changes so quickly,” Rachel says, “but having them beside me makes it all feel manageable.”
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