Help Me Access Life-Saving Follow-Up Care After Breast Cancer
Summary:
As many of you know, I am a breast cancer survivor.
Many people think the journey ends after treatment as I did. It does not.
Post-cancer care requires extensive monitoring and on-going treatment. Follow-up monitoring has discovered a new 5mm lump in my right breast. I urgently need private care for biopsies and further investigation due to repeated failures in the public system. I’ve exhausted my savings and cannot cover the costs of the private specialist care, testing, and trauma-informed support I now urgently need. Every donation helps me get the care I need to stay alive and well and continue yearly monitoring across multiple specialists.
On September 19th 2021
, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I completed treatment just over two years ago and returned to the Byron Bay Shire to begin healing and rebuilding my life.
But what many don’t realise is that the struggle doesn’t end after treatment. Long-term effects post treatment, fear of recurrence, and trauma are part of the ongoing reality for many survivors—including me.
What I’m Facing Now
I have been undergoing post-cancer monitoring and treatment since my diagnosis and treatment in 2021, which has been an expensive, labour intensive and emotionally damaging journey. Recent monitoring revealed a new 5mm lump in my right breast, and further investigation is urgently required.
I need a biopsy and specialist review as soon as possible to rule out recurrence or confirm a diagnosis.
But after over a year of trying to get help in the public system, I’ve been transferred between three hospitals, had four appointments cancelled, and received no consistent follow-up. This process has been incredibly harmful to my nervous system and mental health as a person who has previously experienced medical trauma throughout cancer treatment. The delays have become not only destabilising to my mental health and daily life—but potentially dangerous to my physical health. It’s now been approximately 6 months since the lump was found and due to our public oncology system I have still not been tested.
I’m also undergoing investigations for possible uterine cancer, adding another layer of uncertainty and medical complexity.
Why I’m Asking for Help
When I was first diagnosed, I was too unwell to work. I relied on Centrelink and used nearly all of an inheritance meant to help me buy a home just to survive—paying for rent, transport, medications, and alternative therapies that were vital to getting through treatment.
A fundraiser was meant to be started back then, but it didn’t happen—and I didn’t have the capacity to do it myself.
Today, I’m still not able to return to work full-time. I no longer have the resources to keep paying for care privately.
I now have a trusted private surgeon who can help, but I also urgently need:
a biopsy and diagnostic imaging
a private oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologists and other specialists
access to natural hormone blockers and supplements
trauma-informed support to help me get through this next phase
incorporate recommended lifestyle adaptations to prevent reoccurrence.
What the Funds Will Be Used For
Service or Support
Estimated Annual Cost
Private Surgeon, Oncologist other Specialist Consults
$1,500–$5,000
Scans & Medical Testing / Biopsies
$1,000–$1,500
Natural Hormone Blockers & Supplements
$2,000–$4,000
Trauma-Informed Therapy
$1,000–$1,500
Appointment Support / Transport
$500–$1,000
Estimated Total (12 months)
$7,000–$12,000
These costs reflect just one year of care. Post-cancer treatment requires extensive monitoring by seeing multiple specialists a year and consistent medication and other treatments to prevent a reoccurence and treat fall-out symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties and fatigue.
If you prefer to support me by paying a provider directly (e.g., for a biopsy or scan, DR’s, medications), please contact me. Any unused funds will be held for follow-up care and ongoing surveillance.
How You Can Help
Donate if you can—every dollar truly makes a difference.
Share this page with your networks or anyone who may be able to help.
Reach out if you’d like to support in other ways (gift cards, admin help, or emotional support).
With Deep Gratitude
To those who have stood by me over the last few years—thank you, I appreciate your support.
And to those supporting me now—thank you for helping me access timely, life-saving care.
With Gratitude,
Priscilla
