Alfredton woman Vicki Wilson was preparing for work before she received the type of phone call everybody dreads.
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“I wasn’t expecting this, but you’ve got ovarian cancer.”
Knocked off her feet by her doctor’s words, Ms Wilson did not know where to turn.
The 58-year-old had originally been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990, but she had not seen this new diagnosis coming.
In response, she decided to found an informal group with her friend Sally Waldron called Cancer Chicks Cuppa and Chat Ballarat, which all women with any form of cancer are invited to attend.
They meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Wellness Centre at BRICC on Sturt Street, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Meanwhile, Ms Wilson continues to undergo regular pathology tests to monitor her illness.
“The tests I receive have made me feel a lot more comfortable, they help me to keep an eye on my progress, which gives me peace of mind,” she said.
Pathology labs play an integral role in the majority of preventative health programs, informing most medical decisions.
It’s where blood and other samples go to help determine the cause and nature of disease.
Thousands of patients in Ballarat rely on pathology tests, which enable doctors to assess their health, setting the course for what comes next in the treatment journey.
Ms Wilson undergoes tests at St John of God Pathology’s laboratory in Ballarat, which services public and private hospitals, aged care facilities and IVF clinics in the region.
Last year, the lab performed more than 199,600 tests and examined 40,170 tissue samples.
The laboratory employs up to 15 anatomical pathology staff such as scientists, technicians and assistants, five pathologists and two registrars, six couriers and over 30 collection staff.
Manager Christine O’Halloran said 3800 tests were performed each week in the lab, including cancer diagnosis, biopsies and tumour analysis.
“We provide a comprehensive diagnosis to inform clinicians about the most appropriate management for a cancer,” she said.
“Our goal, as key members of the cancer care team, is to share our expertise in formulating the best plan possible for each patient.”
Ms Wilson reserved special praise for the staff at St John of God Hospital.
To get in touch with Ms Wilson’s informal group that meets monthly, search Cancer Chicks Cuppa & Chat Ballarat on Facebook.
Alternatively, you can email ccccballarat@gmail.com.
