Pictured above: Virginia Prosser (left) with her friend Cheryl.
Cancer Council has launched the Guides to best cancer care, new look consumer versions of the Optimal Care Pathways.
The guides (formerly known as What to expect) have been developed to help patients identify the steps and recommended care at each stage of their cancer journey, from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond.
Access to supportive care and allied health is essential across all steps of the pathway, including emotional and practical support.
These new resources can help patients understand what assistance is available to help enhance the benefits of treatment and increase their quality of life, like Virginia.
For Virginia Prosser, a grandmother of seven, our support services provided a helping hand when it was needed most.
Just six months after losing her husband to cardiac arrest, Virginia received the devastating news that she had breast cancer.
"I lost my beautiful husband and soul mate suddenly to cardiac arrest," Virginia said.
"Life as I knew it had changed forever. I couldn't eat or sleep, I didn't want to get out of bed or see anyone. I completely shut out the world.
"Six months after my husband's passing, I was about to shower when I noticed an abnormality in my right breast.
"After several tests and scans, they confirmed a malignancy and I was diagnosed with breast cancer."
"Cancer Council WA helped me so much. Dot's Place Peel was such a calm and welcoming environment and I'd often visit to relax in a friendly space and enjoy a cup of tea and chat with others.
"The wonderful staff helped me organise my transport to the hospital and provided me with information about the other services on offer, such as reflexology and reiki."
Our Guides to Best Cancer Care are here to help patients feel more in control of their treatment, so they receive the best care at every step, like Virginia.
