When Priscilla received the news of her stage-four lung cancer diagnosis, her world turned upside down. At 72, this vibrant mother, grandmother, and lifelong lover of the arts had always been active and healthy. A television writer and producer with over 40 years in the industry, Priscilla had dedicated herself to her work and her family. So when her doctor delivered the life-altering news, Priscilla’s life took a dramatic turn.
“I’d been experiencing some pain in my leg, but I just thought it was a side effect of a knee replacement I’d had,” Priscilla recalls. “But when I went to the hospital, they drained two litres of fluid from my lung, and it was there that they found cancer cells. My doctor sat down with me and said, ‘You have stage four cancer, and it’s incurable and inoperable.’ I was stunned, but I looked at him and said, ‘Is it treatable?’ He said yes. So, I thought, ‘Alright, I’ll take that.’”
From the beginning, Priscilla approached her diagnosis with resilience and positivity, determined to make the most of each day. But despite her incredible attitude, living with lung cancer has not been without its challenges. Fatigue, rounds of chemotherapy, and the emotional toll of her diagnosis have all taken their toll. During her journey, Priscilla has been thankful for the support of her Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse, Julie, whose empathy, knowledge, and understanding have been a source of immense comfort.
A Friend in My Corner
One of the most impactful aspects of Priscilla’s care has been Lung Foundation Australia’s free Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse service. This service, provided at no cost to patients like Priscilla, is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, who believe in providing compassionate, accessible support for those navigating a lung disease diagnosis.
“Talking to my lung cancer nurse is like having a friend in my corner,” Priscilla explains. “Julie’s empathetic, and she’s incredibly knowledgeable about what I’m going through. I can call her when I have questions about my treatment, side effects, or if I’m just having a bad day. I don’t want to burden my family with every worry or fear, so it’s a relief knowing I have someone to lean on.”
Priscilla speaks with deep gratitude for the role Julie and the Specialist Lung Cancer Nurses have played in her life. “It’s practical things, like advice about managing nausea or fatigue, that make a big difference day-to-day. I know that if my condition changes or I need information about palliative care, Julie is just a phone call away.”
For Priscilla, having access to support through a simple phone call has been a game-changer. Living with cancer is challenging enough, and the comfort of knowing that help is available, even from home, has been priceless. “It’s wonderful to have this support. On days when I feel particularly down, Julie’s there. I think the service is absolutely vital for people, especially those who are on their own or living in rural areas. It’s a real lifeline.”
The support that Priscilla has received from her nurse is only possible due to the generosity of people like you—those who believe in creating a community of care. Every gift from donors ensures that more Australians like Priscilla can access life-changing services without financial burden.
“It’s something you think will never happen to you,” Priscilla reflects. “Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. But to have a service that’s there for you, that you don’t have to worry about affording, is just amazing. I know that every donation—big or small—makes it possible for people like me to access this kind of support.”
Pricilla’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of positivity, the impact of accessible support, and the difference a caring community can make. Priscilla’s journey wouldn’t be the same without the backing of those who believe in Lung Foundation Australia’s mission. Thanks to your donations, more Australians can face their health challenges with the knowledge that they’re not alone.
Priscilla’s appreciation extends to every individual who has contributed to Lung Foundation Australia. “To every donor who helps fund this service, thank you. You have no idea how much it means to people like me to have this support. It’s truly a gift.”
If you’d like to help provide more Australians with access to life-changing services like Priscilla’s, consider donating to Lung Foundation Australia. Every gift helps us reach more people in need.
