Breast-cancer sufferers in the Shoalhaven now have access to two McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ali Lamond was appointed as a metastatic breast care nurse for the McGrath Foundation.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses are unique in that they are available without a referral and at no cost to patients.
Metastatic breast care nurses work with patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Metastatic breast cancer is terminal.
"You'd be surprised by how well many people with metastatic breast cancer appear - it's not uncommon for patients to live for five to 10 years after diagnosis," Ms Lamond said.
"People are out there working, enjoying their hobbies. Our role is to keep people living well and manage symptoms for a good quality of life."
Ms Lamond also helps patients navigate the health care system, explains jargon, and provides emotional and social support.
READ MORE:
She has been a nurse for ten years - beginning at the local hospital.
"I was actually born at the local hospital," she said.
"The local breast care nurse took some leave about five years ago. I covered her job for a few months and I knew then that this was what I wanted to be.
"Both of my grandmothers had breast cancer, so I already had an interest. I got a scholarship through the McGrath Foundation to do my post-graduate studies, and this role opened up."
She said the best part of her job was building relationships with patients and advocating for them.