McGrath breast care nurse Vicki Bell helps 1000 families in Macarthur fight battle against cancer

Breast care nurse Vicki Bell has helped more than 1000 families in Macarthur face one of the biggest and toughest battle of their lives after a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer

McGrath breast care nurse Vicki Bell (second from left) celebrates her milestone with current patients (from left) Jodie-Anne Brown, Rachel Neville and Joanne Garzanitti.

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BREAST care nurse Vicki Bell is devoted to helping women and men face what can be the biggest battle of their lives when they are fighting breast cancer and she has now reached the milestone of helping more than 1000 families in the Macarthur region and Bowral.

Mrs Bell, 54, of St Helens Park, makes sure breast cancer sufferers, their families and children are not alone during this difficult time and she stays with and supports them on their entire journey from the shock of diagnosis, throughout their treatment and for as long as they need her.

The McGrath Foundation breast

McGrath breast care nurse Vicki Bell (centre) celebrates with Bobbie Elston and administration support officer Erica Carssen. Picture: Simon Bullard

cancer nurse, who is based at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, at Campbelltown Hospital, said a breast cancer diagnosis was a massive shock for the person and their family network.

“It can be overwhelming when a person finds out they have got cancer. Some people have a partner and children but others go through it on their own,’’ she said.

“It’s very humbling to have been able to support such a large number of families.

“But it does make me sad when I think of just how many people there are who need this care.

“I look after just one area of Sydney so there are lots of people out there who need this support.’’

Mrs Bell, a mother of two adult children, said the patients who had the biggest impact on her were younger women who were diagnosed with breast cancer during their pregnancy.

“I care for them but also their babies,’’ she said.

“I’ve been touched by so many of my patients. I help them through their treatment and through to the other side.

“Women who finish their treatment still contact me for my point of view.’’

McGrath breast care nurse Vicki Bell pictured at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, at Campbelltown Hospital.

Mrs Bell is also there to help and support the cancer sufferer’s partner and children and she said without the McGrath breast care nurses, families would find it more difficult to navigate the system and the mountain of information they often receive at diagnosis.

“People are so grateful for the support McGrath breast care nurses can offer in what is such a difficult time in their lives,’’ she said.

“I also help refer them to the right agencies, to social workers, occupational therapists and to finance services if needed.’’

Mrs Bell, a nurse of 34 years, said across Australia 49 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each day.

Each year 144 Australian men are diagnosed with the disease.

She sees between 250 to 300 breast cancer patients each year however Mrs Bell was quick to point out her work was a team effort.

She also wanted to thank her fellow McGrath breast care nurse Linda Nolasco, who started earlier this year, and the dedicated nurses who provide chemotheray and the doctors who work at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.

Mrs Bell is one of 117 McGrath breast care nurses around Australia.

She also provides support to breast cancer patients at Camden Hospital’s palliative care unit and Bowral Hospital.

McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director Tracy Bevan said Mrs Bell’s significant milestone not only reflected her hard work it also highlighted just how essential the service the McGrath breast care nurses provide.

“To put it into context, the foundation has supported more than 54,000 families across Australia. For 1000 of those to have been supported by just one person is incredible,’’ she said.

The McGrath Foundation raises funds to place the breast care nurses in communities across Australia and residents are also urged to donate to the cause.

GOOD CARE

■ McGrath breast care nurse Vicki Bell has cared for 1000 families

■ She is one of 117 breast care nurses across Australia who have helped more than 54,000 families

■ Donate at mcgrath foundation.com.au