At the end of 2022, I began to suffer from lower abdominal pain and, after extensive investigations, I was diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian carcinoma. I moved from the Gold Coast to have treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, which included chemotherapy, followed by a complete hysterectomy.
I thought that I was cancer-free after that, and eagerly returned to the Gold Coast to continue teaching English at a truly wonderful school, King’s Christian College. However, the pain returned near Christmas time, and I was told that the cancer had spread to my peritoneum and omentum. I was shattered. I returned to Melbourne for further treatment, which will not be a cure but rather - with hope - improve my quality of life.
Unfortunately, the costs involved and my not being able to work are eating away at my limited superannuation: I had to pay for accommodation in Melbourne as well as financially helping my husband and son, who live on the Gold Coast.
What I have also found devastating is my not being able to continue teaching. I have been an English and French teacher for 46 years: each day, when I have walked into my classroom, I have experienced delight in sharing my knowledge of, and passion, for language with eager adolescents who have unfailingly inspired me and given me happiness. I have developed precious and meaningful relationships with my students and colleagues at excellent schools, including Geelong Grammar School, Canberra Grammar School and King’s Christian College.
Since completing my 6 months of chemotherapy in the first half of 2024, I have moved back to the Gold Coast and I am being treated at the Gold Coast University Hospital with an Immunotherapy drug. Unfortunately, its side-effects are quite debilitating and I have not been able to return to teaching, except occasionally as a relief teacher.
I have been having Immunotherapy treatment (every 3 weeks) at the GC University Hospital with the drug Bevacizumab. Unfortunately, one of the side-effects it has had on me is bleeding in the bowel. My oncologist here, Dr Suzanne Allan, has therefore suspended this treatment and has ordered a PET Scan for me due to the bleeding and ongoing lower back and abdominal pain. If the results of the scan indicate increased growth of cancer, I may consider going back to the Peter MacCallum Centre for further treatment. Resulting in more out of pocket expenses.
I hope to be able to spend time with my daughters and grandchildren and to enjoy time with my son, so that we will all be able to create loving memories together.
I would deeply appreciate any donations that could help me and I shall also hold on to kind thoughts and prayers that will bring me hope and energy on my journey.