Rebecca's Story: "She Always Knows the Right Questions to Ask"

Since then, she has undergone more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy and major surgery to remove an eight-kilogram tumour. Throughout her treatment, Rebecca has continued working from home while navigating the physical and emotional realities of living with advanced cancer.

Alongside the support of Mike, family and friends, Rebecca credits her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone, with providing practical guidance, emotional support and a reassurance throughout her experience.

Diagnosis

Rebecca's diagnosis came unexpectedly after an investigation into leg pain in July 2025. Having experienced a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) two years earlier, she was vigilant about any recurring symptoms. While hospital scans ruled out another blood clot, blood tests ordered by her GP led to further investigation. 

"My GP rang me that night and told me to go straight to the emergency department," Rebecca recalls. "They were looking for another blood clot, but instead the CT scan revealed cancer. After biopsies, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer."

After diagnosis the treatment plan unfolded rapidly, with chemotherapy beginning within weeks. 

"It all happened so quickly. The first chemotherapy treatment was terrifying. I was needle-phobic at the time and remember crying before they even started treatment. All you hear about is all the possible side effects and then suddenly you're thrown into this world you know nothing about." 

Over the following months Rebecca underwent chemotherapy, had a port inserted to make treatment more manageable, and in March this year underwent major surgery after a tumour on her ovary grew rapidly during a short break from chemotherapy. 

"The tumour had grown to 34 centimetres and weighed eight kilograms when it was removed. It was affecting my breathing and movement, so surgery couldn't come soon enough." 

Despite the challenges, Rebecca has continued working reduced hours from home with the support of her workplace. 

Rebecca's relationship with her McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa

Rebecca first met McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone, after attending Mount Barker Hospital to have her chemotherapy infusion disconnected. A nurse asked her a simple question that would become a turning point in her cancer experience 

"The first question they asked was, 'Do you have a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse?' I said no, and they arranged for Carissa to contact me." 

While Rebecca had received excellent clinical care from her oncology team, meeting Carissa introduced an entirely different level of support. 

"After sitting down with Carissa for the first time, I realised there was so much more to my cancer experience than just treatment. The oncology nurses are incredible, but they're understandably focused on the clinical side. Carissa spoke with me about my emotional wellbeing, other services available, and all the impacts of cancer that no one else had really asked me about."

Rebecca says having someone with local knowledge who understands both the healthcare system and her community has been invaluable. 

"Carissa knows the local hospital, the people and all the services available. I can text or call her whenever I need to ask if something's normal or if I'm worried about something. Having that continuity of care makes such a difference." 

Following Rebecca's surgery, Carissa identified an infection in her surgical wound and arranged a referral to community nursing, ensuring Rebecca received the additional care she needed while recovering. 

Carissa has also connected Rebecca with specialist physiotherapy, podiatry services and a local support group that Carissa has established for younger women living with cancer. 

"The support group has been incredible. When my hair started falling out after surgery, I could ask women who had been through it before what they did and how they made that decision. Having people who truly understand your experience makes you feel far less alone." 

Carissa says Rebecca's openness and pragmatic approach have helped build a strong partnership throughout treatment. 

"Rebecca is incredibly thoughtful and well-informed, but I always encourage her to remember she's only human. My role isn't just about helping manage side effects or referrals; it's making sure she's emotionally supported and taking care of herself, not just everyone else around her."

The Impact of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse

For Rebecca, having a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse has meant having someone who supports every aspect of life with cancer, not just the medical treatment. 

"Sometimes I just need someone to listen. Other times I need information, referrals or practical advice. Carissa somehow always knows the right questions to ask, even the ones I hadn't thought about myself." 

From managing chemotherapy side effects and navigating body changes after surgery to conversations about skincare, sexual health and early menopause, Carissa has provided compassionate guidance throughout Rebecca's experience. 

"It feels much easier to send Carissa a text than book an appointment every time something comes up. She's approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely cares. She creates a space where you feel comfortable asking anything." 

Carissa says supporting Rebecca has always been about looking beyond the cancer itself. 

"Holistically, it's about helping Rebecca reconnect with herself. She's incredibly driven and always thinking about everyone else, but it's important she gives herself permission to slow down and focus on her own wellbeing. My role is to make sure she feels supported as a whole person, not just as someone receiving cancer treatment."