Breast Care Nurse, Vicki Bell, will provide ongoing physical, psychological and emotional support to people with breast cancer in South Western Sydney.
The McGrath Foundation presently funds 200 Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and has supported over 123,000 families since its inception in 2005.
Sydney Water Team Leader Dianne Johnson was lucky enough to have a supportive family but said her Breast Care Nurse played a vital role in her recovery after she was diagnosed just before Christmas in 2019.
Dianne was given a direct number to call her Breast Care Nurse to ask her all the questions she had.
She also received a ‘bag of goodies’ including information related to her cancer, items like a purpose-made cushion for treatment and tips on how to talk to her family about her diagnosis.
“The Breast Care Nurse was my guardian angel while going through treatment,” Dianne said.
“If you feel something isn’t right, go straight to your doctor and if you get the cancer diagnosis, contact your Breast Care Nurse immediately because she will help you navigate the whole process,” she said.
A Breast Care Nurse since 2011, Vicki has been a registered nurse since 1983 and also has a General Nursing Certificate, Bachelor of Administrative Leadership and Certificates in Palliative Care, Breast Cancer Nursing and Oncology.
“The most important thing I do is support my patients and their families through treatment and the tough times ahead, and empower them to make informed choices,” she said.
“Patients know I will always be there to answer questions, offer support and share their fears.”
To find your local Breast Care Nurse, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
