Alex's strength amidst adversity serves as inspiration for all and we're grateful that she's agreed to share her experience to help women who come after.

Alex's experience with cancer began with a routine hysteroscopy in early 2020, but what unfolded was a tumultuous journey marked by setbacks and triumphs.  

Despite enduring aggressive treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, Alex's story took an unexpected turn with the diagnosis of metastatic cancer in June 2023.

Coping with diagnosis

“No words can describe the experience of that appointment and being told that this cancer is incurable; the disbelief and devastation. Afterwards we talked, we cried, and we shared our determination and optimism in the face of it all.

Then we went into action mode, seeking information, sourcing contacts, and consulting doctors both in Tasmania and interstate. There were differing opinions about how to approach the recurrence. After weighing it all up, I started chemotherapy again in July 2023.” 

Although she faced several challenging hurdles along the way, Alex completed chemotherapy in December 2023, rejoicing as scans revealed reductions in tumour size and activity.

Carrying on with immunotherapy into early 2024, Alex led a few months full of energy and positivity. However, an unexpected autoimmune reaction affecting the salivary glands forced pauses and ultimately cessation of infusions.

After feeling amazingly well for a couple of months, her symptoms resurfaced in late April. A recent scan confirmed progression, plunging Alex into a disheartening situation. She was then referred to an international clinical trial with sites in Australia.

“I am grateful to have been referred to a new clinical trial. It will mean regular travel interstate however the silver lining is that I'll be able to spend more time with my sons and their partners who live in Sydney.

Optimistically I'm hoping that I will receive the trial drug, that it will halt the progression of the disease, and I'm even more hopeful that it will extend my life. I have so many things I still want to see and do, and most especially I long for more precious time with my family.” 

Maintaining a sense of hope

Alex looks to savour little things in the everyday, whether it's observing birds, basking in the warmth of the sun, laughter with friends, or seeking out new experiences. Most importantly, it's the time spent with loved ones that fuels her hope and gratitude.

“When you discover that your life is going to be cut short and you’re going to miss so many things that you assumed you would experience what else is there to do than to make sure you live every day to the fullest, embrace all possibilities, epitomize hope and ensure you don’t waste a moment on negativity?

And yet, when you’ve been told that your life is going to be cut short, and all those things you assumed you’d experience in your life are going to be taken away from you, it is also very normal to be devastated and distressed at this loss.”

Alex feels incredibly fortunate to have had her husband’s unwavering support and love every step of the way. They have been united in leaving no stone unturned, while also living life to the full, and making the most of their time together.

Alex’s relationship with her family is anchored in love, trust, and mutual respect. When faced with the task of sharing a cancer diagnosis, honesty and openness were crucial.

Alex and her husband believed their adult children deserved to know the full story to make informed decisions as the journey progressed.

Throughout treatment, she has maintained transparency, ensuring nothing came as a shock. Despite the challenges, they approached treatment with gratitude, seeing it as a gift of extended time together.

Alex's attitude was that every side-effect was worthwhile, approaching it with grace and resilience as she focused on the goal of being as healthy as possible for as long as possible, so she could be with her family.

“How have we had normality during this time? I don’t know that you truly can, as ultimately this is not a normal situation.

We spend time together doing normal things like telling stories, laughing over ridiculous things, sharing a meal, playing games, going for walks and so on.

Yet the reality of the situation means we also talk about cancer, make room for tears when they happen, and live differently than we otherwise would have done.

Making the most of every day has certainly come sharply into focus. Cancer is not a solo journey, it impacts us all, and its ripples are enduring.

There is no right and wrong way to do this, so I am always thinking about how to be honest whilst also building strength and resilience to face future challenges.

When I'm no longer here, what I hope they remember most is the way we approached all of this together, with love, courage, and hope, and a focus on helping others.” 

Acknowledging grief

Keeping in mind the reality of her diagnosis, Alex recognizes the importance of accepting that these are normal ranges of emotions in the circumstances.

She makes space for both positivity and grief, while consciously choosing to spend more time living in each moment and in a way that brings joy.

When initially sharing news with friends, she noticed it was typical for people to respond with a comment about staying positive. She found it challenging at a time when she was reeling with being told she had an incurable illness.

While understanding and appreciating people's loving intention in being upbeat and optimistic, Alex began to communicate that while hope is essential it is also necessary to have space to be sad.

She understands that grief is an important emotion as this validates the truth of the situation for herself, her family and friends, while also embracing a positive and dogged determination to live.

Making a positive difference

From the start of her diagnosis, she prioritized helping others. Seeing the benefits offered by clinical trials, she expressed interest in taking part in clinical trials to advance science and support women's health. She also aimed to raise awareness, encouraging women to recognize signs, ask questions, and listen to their bodies.

Consequently, she volunteered with ANZGOG’s Survivors Teaching Students program. Within this initiative, individuals who have faced gynaecological cancers, including Alex, share their lived experiences with aspiring health professionals across universities in Australia and New Zealand. Alex highlighted the program's unique ability to complement traditional medical education by providing insights into the human aspect of illness.

“Sharing our accounts can lead to change, and most importantly to improvements for women facing gynaecological cancer in the future.”

Alex acknowledges the grim statistics surrounding recurrent endometrial cancer, with a mere 20% five-year survival rate, highlighting the stark reality faced by those living with the condition.

She expressed concern over the doubling of endometrial cancer cases in Australia over the past two decades and the global increase across all age groups, deeming it unacceptable.

Despite its status as the fourth most common cancer in women, endometrial cancer remains relatively unknown to many.

“The only way this will change is through scientific research. For me and other women in my situation, we are holding out for new treatments through clinical trials. My hope lies in advancements with new drug developments.

Beyond my own experience, my hope is that things are different for women in the future.

This will happen through raising awareness, prevention, earlier detection, and better treatments. Research is central to all of this, and so funding is crucial.” 

Though devastated by her prognosis, Alex takes the opportunity to prioritize what truly matters and to cherish moments with loved ones. She remains determined to make the most of her time, embracing each day with gratitude and advocating passionately for initiatives aimed at supporting women facing similar diagnoses through ANZGOG.