Hurrah – the end of cancer treatment at the Peter Mac

Yesterday, after around five months of treatment at the Peter Mac, I finished treatment for ovarian and endometrial cancer. Prior to attending the Peter Mac, I had a hysterectomy at The Women’s.

Here’s what happened while at the Peter Mac:
A PET scan where in the lead up, I couldn’t move or speak!
Tests to see how my liver and kidneys were functioning before chemo.
Appointments with the medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.
Four rounds of chemo – the first was terrible, the last three were easier.
Countless needles – I am still needlephobic, but a little less so.
An appointment to measure me up for radiotherapy.
Five weeks of radiotherapy every weekday.
Counselling with a psychologist specialising in cancer.
Frustrating calls with Centrelink (I finally have a Healthcare Card!).
Appointments with the dermatology team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital; occupational therapists at Peter Mac and dietitians at The Women’s.
Confirmation that my cancer doesn’t have genetic mutations – which reduces the chance of recurrence.
Regular calls and emails with the cancer nurses who work across The Women’s and Peter Mac, plus with the ovarian cancer nurse at the Teal Program.
Delicious food at the cafe.
(But still no sighting of the therapy dogs!)

The hospital process has been incredibly organised and mostly on time, and everyone working there has been so wonderful.

My friend and agent Danielle has been to so many appointments with me – she was there when I was told I’d need to have a hysterectomy, for the liver and kidney test and two chemo rounds, and for my first and last radiotherapy sessions. She’s amazing.

And I’ve had incredible love and support from many other people – my parents, Adam, my employers, friends and many people on the internet. Thank you – I’m very lucky.

So what’s next?

A rest. It’s a full time job having a chronic illness (cancer on top of Ichthyosis is a lot). I will have some follow up tests and appointments early next year. I hope the treatment has worked. I’m also looking forward to working more in 2025. Hurrah!

I am still not working as much – please consider buying me a drink – thank you.

Images: Carly prior to and post treatment; Carly & Danielle in waiting room & near a Bromley painting.