In this episode, recorded during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I talk to McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Kerryn Ernst. Kerryn is the only McGrath Breast Care Nurse whose job is solely to support women (and a few men) with stage-four breast cancer – the incurable type, where people present with secondary cancer in places such as the bones, lung, liver or brain.
Having not experienced cancer myself, nor having had to support someone close to me through the ins and outs of cancer treatment I was curious to find out about what Kerryn’s role actually involves and where it fits within the myriad of health practitioners and support providers involved with a patient’s cancer treatment.
From reading some media articles about Kerryn before the interview, it was really clear to me what a significant, positive impact Kerryn has on the women she cares for as well as their families, so one of the things we also talk about is how she is able to remain so positive about a role in which death and dying is a constant part.
For more information about McGrath Breast Care Nurses and breast cancer support & resources, Kerryn suggests visiting: The McGrath Foundation and Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Listen below or via iTunes.
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