Grovedale nurse Rebecca Frost battles cancer

A 31-year-old nurse and volunteer firefighter is undergoing gruelling treatment due to a cancer battle that started more than a decade ago.

Nurse and volunteer Bec Frost has been dealing with melanoma for years. Picture: Brad Fleet

A 31-year-old nurse and volunteer firefighter is undergoing gruelling treatment due to a cancer battle that started more than a decade ago.

Grovedale’s Rebecca Frost was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2013, and had it removed and underwent radiation.

In 2015, more spots emerged and in 2017 she discovered cancer had metastasised to her breast.

“That required some radiation and chemotherapy for about four months,” Ms Frost said.

“I did that all while studying to be a nurse and a paramedic.”

Ms Frost, who works at the emergency department of a Melbourne hospital, was cleared at the end of 2017, but then in May last year was told cancer had metastasised to her stomach, kidney and liver.

CFA Grovedale volunteer Bec Frost. Picture: Brad Fleet

She has been having chemotherapy, radiation and is part of a clinical trial in Melbourne.

It’s hoped she will be able to stop treatment within months.

“I’ve been very lucky … (the cancer) is starting to reduce,” she said.

She is hopeful she will make a full recovery, but will require ongoing monitoring.

Ms Frost grew up around the Grovedale CFA, as her dad was and remains a volunteer firefighter, and she signed up as a member aged 11.

She is a volunteer firefighter, the brigade’s community safety co-ordinator and a junior leader, helping youngsters learn the ropes.

But she has been unable to attend a fire since last year due to her health.

“Even just basics … doing things around the home, it’s just exhausting,” she said.

“I can’t really do much which is very frustrating because I like to be out and about.

“I think at the same time, due to the fact I am an emergency nurse, I know how lucky I am because I see a lot of people in pain and crises, people who are so much worse off than I am.

“It’s a bit humbling.”

She said the support she had received had made her realise how many people she had in her corner.

Ms Frost has been working less due to her health, and her uncle has set up a GoFundMe to help support her named ‘Bec’s Melanoma Battle’, which can help with treatment and living expenses.

Originally published as Grovedale nurse Rebecca Frost battles cancer