We know this is a website you never wanted to search for.

We get it, no one wants to know about cancer.  But with a diagnosis, you need to know what’s going on, and we think we can help.

Cancer is a word you never want to hear.  You've got friends and family who want to know what's going on, but you probably stopped listening to your doctor after she said the c word.

We have created a podcast that can take you through what might happen next. We've covered the main treatments: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation.

We've asked the experts, Oncologists, Surgeons, Nurses, Survivors. We've tried to find information you can use.

This podcast will never replace your doctor, but it shouldn't have to.  We know your medical team will be doing everything they can to keep you informed.  But we also know it’s hard to take in information when there's so much going on.

So welcome to our podcast, Cancer Survivor Guide.  We think we’ve got information you can use.  Download and listen to the podcasts at home, in the waiting room or on the go.  We hope you find them useful.

 

Listen to our podcasts

Kelsey Morecombe Occupational Therapist

Kelsey Morecombe
Occupational Therapist

PODCAST: Fed up with Fatigue

Cancer and cancer treatments can leave you feeling like you've been run over by a truck.


Amy Smith Dietitian, Ballarat Health Services

Amy Smith
Dietitian, Ballarat Health Services

PODCAST: DIETITIAN

What role does diet have in helping you thrive during cancer treatment and beyond?


Dr Craig Carden, Medical Oncologist, Ballarat Cancer Care

Dr Craig Carden, Medical Oncologist, Ballarat Cancer Care

podcast: chemotherapy

If you thought things couldn’t get worse than being diagnosed with cancer - you’ve just been told you’re having chemotherapy.  You’ve seen the movies, they're terrifying  - what’s chemotherapy really like?

Dr Michael Jefford Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Dr Michael Jefford
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

PODCAST: SURVIVORSHIP

Getting a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. You can feel like the rest of your life is put on hold.


Katherine Lane, Cancer Council Victoria

Katherine Lane, Cancer Council Victoria

Podcast: Call Someone

Cancer is tough and you need all the help you can get.  That’s why the Cancer Council has a number you can call to speak to nurses who know their stuff. Call 13 11 20.


Anthony Harrison, Practice Nurse, Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative

Anthony Harrison, Practice Nurse, Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative

PODCAST: ABORIGINAL HEALTH

What extra help is available if you're a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community diagnosed with cancer? 

Tracey Duggan Exercise Physiologist, Ballarat Health Services

Tracey Duggan
Exercise Physiologist, Ballarat Health Services

PODCAST: EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Exercise can help counteract many negative side effects of cancer and its treatment, including fatigue


Mr David Deutscher, Surgeon, Ballarat

Mr David Deutscher, Surgeon, Ballarat

podcast: surgery

Once you've discovered you've got cancer it's understandable you want it out.  Surgery may be the first step in your cancer treatment.  What are the surgeons looking for when they’re operating?

Dr Sarah McKinnon Clinical Psychologist

Dr Sarah McKinnon
Clinical Psychologist

PODCAST: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Why would you want to see a psychologist when you've been diagnosed with cancer?


Dr Simone Reeves Radiation Oncologist, Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre

Dr Simone Reeves
Radiation Oncologist, Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre

podcast: radiation

 How is radiation used to treat cancer?  Is radiation dangerous? 
What’s involved in this high tech cancer treatment and what can you expect?