Meet Tiffany – An Upper GI Cancer Nurse Making a Difference
When facing a life-changing diagnosis like pancreatic, stomach, liver, biliary or oesophageal cancer, compassionate care and clear information can make all the difference. That’s where upper GI nurses, like the team supported by the Pancare Foundation, come in.
We sat down with one of Pancare’s dedicated upper GI nurses to learn more about the role, the realities of cancer care, and why this work matters.
Tiffanyhas 20 years of acute nursing experience, including some surgical liaison nursing. She has spent the majority of her career as a theatre nurse and has a postgraduate diploma in peri-operative nursing (peri-anaesthesia).
A Career of Compassion and Connection
Q: What inspired you to specialise in upper gastrointestinal (GI) care, and...
Brett's Story
Brett was diagnosed with stage 3A melanoma in 2023, with the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes. After surgery and treatments over the following months, Brett and fiancé Kritishna thought everything was going well and found themselves saying “after this next scan we will be all done, and everything will go back to normal.” But in August 2024 they were told that the cancer had spread to his brain and that the prognosis wasn’t great, with surgery out of the question and only one treatment option remaining.
“The worst was when they told us that this would eventually take my life and it was terminal. I was lost for words, and this broke me beyond anything I can explain. I have so much to live for, with my young family and fiancé.”
Brett, 40...
Craig's Story
Craig Watts was diagnosed with prostate cancer at just 59 years old in August 2024.
“I had no symptoms whatsoever, but I noticed a bit of a lump in my groin,” Craig says.
“I thought it was a hernia, so I went to the doctor’s and got it checked out, and the doctor said we’d better look at that a bit closer.
“After a PSA test and a CT scan, my doctor told me: ‘you’ve got prostate cancer, and it had spread through your body’.
“That was a shock. It was probably the worst news that I had ever heard.
“The urologist referred me to an oncologist. I had a lot of doubt at this stage, and I was constantly thinking: am I going to die? How long do I have?
“She reassured me by saying, ‘What you have is treatable’. That helped me a hell of a lot.
“...
Tara's Story
I'd been having symptoms for a few months when my GP referred me to a Gastroenterologist. A few months after that, I had a colonoscopy. We weren't in a rush, as we thought my symptoms were attributed to my long-standing IBS. When I woke from my scope, I was delivered the news that no one wants to hear. ‘You have cancer in your sigmoid colon’. After having a CT, MRI and bloods taken, I was referred for surgery and had an anterior resection in January 2024.
Initially my surgical team thought that surgery alone would be sufficient, but when the pathology on my tumour returned, there were some red flags for recurrence. I was referred to a lovely and very supportive Oncologist and began 6 months of chemotherapy. I finished chemotherapy with...
How Dry July Funding Helped an additional 128 Cancer Patients this year
Arrow is deeply grateful for the generous support received through the Dry July Foundation's 2024 campaign.
Thanks to a total of $45,729 raised through the generosity of Dry July participants, their donors, and our successful grant application, we have been able to extend vital support to hundreds more adult cancer patients, along with their families and carers, during one of the most challenging times in their lives and treatment journeys.
Patient Support Program Impact
We are pleased to report that, with this funding, we were able to support an additional 128 patients who received a bone marrow or stem cell transplant to fight blood cancer this year. Our support assisted not just the patients, but the families and carers, meaning the...
Dry July 2024 creates a positive difference for patients at The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Thank you so much for taking on the Dry July challenge and supporting the Royal Melbourne Hospital this year. We are pleased to announce that with your help we raised $51,756.83 for the care of our cancer patients. We are extremely grateful for your incredible fundraising efforts and dedication.
Your fundraising for Dry July has enabled The Royal Melbourne Hospital to purchase items for:
• Balcony Garden – Head and neck cancer patients often have extended hospital stays due to the complexity of their surgeries and recovery processes. A week-long stay in a stark, clinical environment can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Providing a garden can create a more humane and comforting space, improving the overall patient experience.
• Blanket...
Dry July 2024 delivers specialised dietitian support for POWH patients
Thank you for going dry this July and supporting the Prince of Wales Hospital! Your fundraising efforts and commitment to this year’s Dry July will significantly benefit cancer patients by providing additional specialised dietitian support.
As cancer survival rates improve, the need for comprehensive cancer care grows. Nutritional support is especially crucial for enhancing the quality of life for cancer survivors.
Thanks to your generous contributions, the Cancer Survivorship Centre at POWH can now offer dietitian support to more patients who need specific diets and nutrition. This includes individualised dietetic assessments, monthly education sessions and empowers patients and survivors to make informed dietary choices, leading to...
Dry July funding creates big impact at Rare Cancers Australia
Thank you for supporting Rare Cancers Australia this Dry July!
We are incredibly grateful for your efforts giving up alcohol, asking your networks for donations, and spreading the word about our organisation during July. Together, we raised more than $87,500 to support people affected by cancer.
We wanted to share a little more about the impact of your fundraising. The diagnosis of a rare, less common or complex cancer brings a range of challenges, including fewer treatment options and specialists, less information and research, and limited support.
At Rare Cancers Australia, we know a person’s cancer is as unique as their fingerprint, and the support each individual or family needs is different too. Our Specialist Cancer Navigators take...
More Australians have access to cancer rehabilitation services
Thank you for taking on the Dry July challenge this year. We are delighted to announce that with your help PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation Australia raised an astounding $38,456.42. Such a great result!!
We are beyond grateful for your fundraising efforts and dedication. By taking part in Dry July, you have helped us support more people in their recovery from cancer. This not only reduces the burden of cancer for the individual but also for their loved ones too.
Our PINC & STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs are focused on improving the quality of life and experience of people diagnosed with any type of cancer. Helping them overcome symptom distress, regain strength, mobility and energy so they can participate...