Lung Foundation Australia’s Lung Cancer Support Nurse program is a free telephone-based service for people living with lung cancer, their families and carers. At any stage of lung cancer pathway, the nurse-led service can provide personally tailored information and education. This can help you understand the diagnosis, treatment and symptom management including your emotional well-being.
Meet Priscilla
Priscilla, diagnosed with lung cancer, experienced difficulty coming to terms with what the diagnosis would mean. As a result, she needed some additional support to help her grasp all aspects of her treatment plan that lay ahead.
Priscilla welcomed the additional support provided by the Lung Cancer Support Nurse and shares her experiences of the service.
“Being diagnosed with a major illness such as Stage 4 incurable lung cancer is a shock for anyone. Especially for someone who is fit and healthy and has no symptoms. The Lung Foundation Australia Lung Cancer Support Nurse provided not only helpful information and comfort with each call. But I also know if I am desperate for information or clarification, I can call and ask,” said Priscilla.
“My Lung Cancer Support Nurse, Julie is particularly empathetic. With each call she has made me feel much more comfortable with my ongoing treatment. I’m sure all the lung cancer nurses have this gift. It is certainly appreciated,” she said.
Lung Foundation Australia’s services can help with understanding the complexities of lung cancer. Our expert nurses can support you to unpack complicated medical information, which at times is confusing and can be difficult to comprehend. In addition, this helps whilst also dealing with the myriad of feelings you may experience following the diagnosis.
With the ease of this service being over the telephone, you can access the Lung Cancer Support Nurse from anywhere in Australia. This includes remote areas or in capital cities.
“Having the telephone-based option is fabulous. It’s efficient and so good to be able to talk to someone in the comfort of my own home. Some days are better than others. I look forward to being able to have these phone chats,” added Priscilla.
“Thank you, Lung Foundation Australia, for providing this fabulous service.”
What is the role of the Lung Cancer Support Nurse?
Being diagnosed with lung cancer and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system is stressful. Offering complimentary support, the Lung Cancer Support Nurse service provides an additional layer to the expert care delivered by your treating healthcare team.
This service plays a vital role helping with your needs, especially if you are newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Our Lung Cancer Support Nurse offers support if you are feeling overwhelmed. Additionally if you are trying to absorb the new information presented to you in the initial stages of your diagnosis.
“Without a second thought I would recommend this service to anyone who finds themselves diagnosed with this dreadful condition. The treatment – in my case for two years – is a journey to be faced and dealt with one day at a time.
All support, knowledge and information are gratefully received,” said Priscilla.
Support for carers
The Lung Cancer Support Nurse Service is not just for patients. Carers and family members can book in a free telephone call, to receive the support and information they need to understand what their loved one may be going through. This service offers a safe space for carers to ask questions and express concerns and learn more about managing symptoms and key questions to discuss with the treating healthcare team.
Lung Foundation Australia’s aim is to empower you to work with your healthcare team to make informed choices about lung cancer treatment and management.
To arrange a free telephone appointment, please contact the Information and Support Centre on free call 1800 654 301 (option 3). Alternatively, you can complete the form below.
