Cancer nurse 'walks the walk' after diagnosis 

As a cancer nurse with 15 years' experience, Jessa knows the importance of patient support.

And now, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023, the mother of three young children is having to lean on her own network of family, friends, colleagues and medical staff on her long road to recovery.

"I've had tremendous support from my colleagues and friends. And my whole family overseas have been showering me with love, concern and prayers. My dad, who is miles away in India, knows which doctors I'm seeing when and where," she said.

Jessa is receiving treatment at Epworth Eastern in Melbourne, but is continuing to work at another hospital in the city's outer suburbs.

"I still work when I can, which I find helpful. With my patients, I'm not just talking the talk now but walking the walk," she said.

"I think I did quite a good job with my patients before, but now I can add another layer of personal experience."

Epworth Breast Care Nurse Stephanie Jeffery, an oncology specialist, said having support makes a big difference.

"I encourage patients where possible to lean on family and friends for practical and emotional support. Those that feel well supported often cope with treatment better," she said.

Jessa, whose children are aged 10, six and one, will need radiation treatments after her weekly chemotherapy sessions at Epworth Eastern's day oncology unit, and then at least 10 years of hormone therapy.

"The road is long. You just have to compartmentalise, one thing at a time," she said. 

"Having young kids in the mix exposes you to a lot more infections and germs, but you do what helps your mental health. I wouldn't cope well with being in a bubble.

"I have great support – my husband works mostly from home, so that flexibility has helped, and my mum flew over from India the day after I was diagnosed.

"The circumstances are hard, but the nurses have been fantastic. The medical team, my oncologist and surgeon have been very efficient and kind. I can't speak highly enough of them."

Jessa was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, which begins in the milk-producing glands, after finding a lump while breastfeeding her youngest child.

She was just 39 and had no family history of cancer.

"People have said I'm pretty upbeat considering what I'm going through. But the alternative, being down and depressed, doesn't sit well with me," she said.

"I'm trying to be as positive as I can and that positivity stems from the support that I have."

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