Mater Cancer Care Centre, Brisbane

Patricia Mahara has a strong family history of cancer. After losing her mother to breast cancer 20 years ago, in 2020 she faced her own battle with the disease, yet she stayed incredibly positive thanks to the strong support networks around her.

Patricia’s treatment included surgery, chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation therapy at the Mater Cancer Centre. She also participated in the Return to Wellness program to help with her recovery, saying “it was the first time throughout the journey that I could talk with ladies that were going through the same things as me.”

Developed by the Mater Breast Care team, Return to Wellness offers breast cancer patients access to a guided exercise program with a physiotherapist and breast care nurse, and advice about their diet and lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Thanks to your support of Mater through Dry July, we will be rolling out the Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program in 2022 which will provide a suite of support services like Return to Wellness to women before, during and after their cancer treatment.

 “I [had] a few creaks and cracks in my body from being so unwell. My main goal [was] to get the use of my arms back, so I [could] return to full-time work as a disability support worker,” Patricia said.

Patricia was hoping to develop more strength and gain back muscle, and learn the skills required to give her the confidence to use a private gym once the 8-week program finished.

Patricia explains she not only had her cancer treated but had been offered a whole range of other allied health and support services, including dietetics and physiotherapy as part of the Return to Wellness program.

“My care team has also been amazing, they have so many patients and they treat us all like we’re the most important people in the world.”

“The support I have received from Mater throughout my cancer journey has been incredible, they are truly focused on keeping us well through our treatment, not just treating the disease itself.”

Almost two years on, and Patricia is in remission. Patricia has returned to work and is now filling her life up with the important things. “Friends and family are what’s most important – I’m finding the balance in life now. I feel grateful that I’m still here.”

Your generous support of Dry July means more women will have access to this type of support throughout their cancer journey.

“It’s very important that it continues–it really helped me overcome a lot of struggles past treatment.”

Thanks to YOU and an incredible community of people wanting to make a difference, we can continue funding our Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program at Mater.

Your support will give more women access to the Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program, helping them manage the harmful side effects of cancer treatment.

Essentially, you have given these women a chance at getting their life back, through targeted lifestyle management, with a focus on exercise, nutrition, stress management and mental health support.

On behalf of these women and our Cancer Centre staff, I would like to thank you for your support and contribution to making a positive difference in the lives of people living with cancer.

Developed by the Mater Breast Care team, Return to Wellness offers breast cancer patients' access to a guided exercise program with a physiotherapist and breast care nurse, and advice about their diet and lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Senior Physiotherapist Oncology Services Leah McIntyre said because the classes are smaller they can help each participant reach their individual goals.

“Our exercise programs are tailored to our participants individual needs, medical status and personal goals. Cancer treatment takes its toll on the body and we are focused on helping them regain both their strength and confidence,” she said.

“This is an important part of our patient’s recovery and we are so proud to be able to offer this service here at Mater and are so thankful to Dry July for their support.”

Debbie Anderson has been a Mater Volunteer for ten years working in the Mater Cancer Care Centre. However, at the beginning of 2020, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined the hospital as a patient.

“I had a routine breast screen which detected a lump, it turned out to be a maligned tumour and I had to have this removed. Following this I had to have three surgeries and radiation, it was a very intense experience,” Debbie said.

“I am now doing the Return to Wellness program and I can feel my strength returning. The classes have been great, and I am focused on getting my reach back.

“I have had amazing support from my care team, my fellow volunteers and my daughters, I am so lucky to have such a strong network of caring people around me.”

Amazingly Debbie continues to volunteer each week in the Cancer Care Centre bringing joy to patients she is now able to offer new insight into what life is like as a cancer patient.

One of the programs your Dry July fundraising has supported is the 'Return to Wellness' Program at Mater Cancer Care Centre.

Developed by the Mater Breast Care team, Return to Wellness offers breast cancer patients' access to a guided exercise program with a physiotherapist and breast care nurse, and advice about their diet and lifestyle choices to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Debbie (pictured) has been a Mater Volunteer for ten years working in the Mater Cancer Care Centre. However, at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and joined the hospital as a patient.

After enduring treatment which Debbie has described as a "very intense experience", she is now thriving in the Return to Wellness Program and can feel her strength returning. Debbie has been also valuing the support from her care team, fellow volunteers, and her daughters, who have helped her throughout her journey.

A massive shout out to our incredible Dry July 2020 participants and donors, you've helped to make the Return to Wellness Program possible. ❤️ 

Your incredible support is giving patients at Mater access to specially designed programs aimed at engaging and supporting them through guided exercise during and after their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Exercise can be effective in reducing physical deterioration, levels of fatigue, and can improve the quality of life of people with cancer.

These programs however go so much further than providing patients with exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle advice. They incorporate a holistic approach to address the issues and concerns faced by people having cancer treatment.