The Grace Gawler Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

The Grace Gawler Institute

Cancer Navigation, Coaching and Advocacy

For almost half a century, I have provided Australian & NZ cancer patients with Cancer Survivorship and Wellness options. I specialise in cancer navigation, coaching & advocacy services.

Professional Experience:

Due to my longevity in the field as an Australasian Pioneer of Supportive Care Medicine for cancer patients, I have been able to develop highly effective personalised, solutions-oriented Survivorship Care Plans for women with cancer.

I also offer guidance via initial video consultations.

I navigate you through the cancer maze. My specialty is helping you access cutting edge, minimally invasive cancer therapies, second opinions, state-of-the-art diagnostics, complementary medicines and therapies.

Personal Experience:

I am a breast cancer survivor who has had a mastectomy. I have also had successful innovative surgery overseas after multiple failed gynaecological and colon surgeries in Australia. My original work birthed a Cancer Survivorship Revolution. Grace Gawler

Grace's unique approach discussed on BBC Bristol UK

Tune in and Be inspired!

Grace’s unique approach discussed on Radio BBC Bristol UK Interview click here

Wow – what a great interview. Loved how your endorsement of joining traditional and complementary medicine came across loud and clear. I always feel like cheering when I hear you speak like this – there are many, MANY podcasts where people share good information (for example on diet, supplements, visualisation), but then demonise western medicine in their next breath.

You are almost a “lone voice” in your astute approach and I admire you so much. Your personal story, particularly with the world-first surgery, is incredible! Thank you, Grace!

How to join Grace's Cancer Survivorship Revolution

Step 1. Organise a Video Consultation with Grace:

Explore Options you never knew existed

We suggest an initial video consultation with Grace Gawler to explore your cancer recovery options. Not an either/or approach; we are happy to liaise with your oncologist and GP.

After your consultation you may wish to discuss the benefits in applying for a Long Term Survivorship Care Plan or I may suggest you directly consult one of my medical colleagues. The aim of a video consultation is to help you find guidance and direction

Visit ‘Video Call with Grace’ on the menu.

Step 2. Long Term Survivorship Care Plans:

By engaging me as your cancer navigator, you can take advantage our boutique survivorship care plans.

These plans provide you with either 10 or 15 hours of dedicated services, including video calls.

Plans are personally designed & implemented for each patient’s unique needs.

Cost effective – the plans provide research, referrals, coordination, case management continuity, regular support & follow up.

Visit ‘Cancer Survivorship Care Plans’ on the menu.

A Specialist GP shares his experience with Grace's approach

I came to know and appreciate the skills and knowledge Grace Gawler has in managing patients who approach her seeking help to navigate the cancer maze. Grace, having worked in the field of cancer management for 4+ decades, has a breadth of knowledge which I find quite amazing.

Although her primary qualification is in naturopathy, she has in my opinion, a greater body of knowledge than most oncologists I have experienced in my 47-yrs as a general practitioner.

Grace, like myself, only practises scientifically proven medicine. But what she brings to these patients is the best that western medicine has to offer in conjunction with evidence-based complementary treatments not embraced by western medical practitioners. More at: What Doctors Say on menu

Helping women bridge the support gaps in standard cancer care

Access national & international medical networks:

Like many patients who approach us, you may be surprised to learn there are a range of treatment options you were not aware of.

I liaise with my team of National & International cancer experts who can provide you with second opinions which may lead to more minimally invasive treatment options. I offer international networking for doctors and oncologists to benefit patient outcomes.

This value-adds to helping you to bridge the gaps in standard of care cancer medicine.

Women of Silence - the book that started the breast cancer survivorship revolution

In 1994, based on the life stories of women who had attended my residential programs and workshops, I authored the first book and best seller, Women of Silence the emotional healing of breast cancer. (1994, 2001)

I published my autobiography, Grace Grit and Gratitude in 2008. My other publications are A Helping Hand, and Survivor’s Secrets for Women.

I co-founded Australia’s first cancer support groups, followed by ground breaking residential retreats for women with cancer and women with breast cancer. In 1986 I graduated as a health practitioner in natural medicine.

My patient advocacy in Australia & New Zealand saw me receiving the inaugural Rotary International Jean Harris Award for services towards advancing the role of women in society; the highest honour Rotary bestows on a non-Rotarian.

I have also served an active role as a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for Women’s Health in the Victorian Government.

My personal experience as a long-term care giver to bone cancer patient with a poor prognosis also underpins my unique approach to the art & science of supportive care cancer medicine.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
1. About Grace Gawler
2. Podcast BBC, UK. Grace interview. Attitudinal Strategies for Survival
3. Purchase Women of Silence – book or eBook

Inspiring patient stories

Fairlie – Breast Cancer Survivor

Grace is the “missing link” in the complex world of multi-disciplinary cancer management & treatment.

Her ability to see the whole landscape of treatment & care options both nationally & internationally is unparalleled!

Her depth of knowledge, broad experience base, compassionate character, plus her intellectually curious & rigorous nature; make her an anomaly in the field.

Judith – Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer – mastectomy

In April 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was convinced that my healthy, vegan lifestyle of many years would protect me from cancer. I was able to make arrangements for a mastectomy but that was about all. I had no idea what to expect after the operation and no idea of how to go about choosing an oncologist.

Luckily for me, I stumbled across Grace Gawler’s website and was able to have a Zoom meeting with her about a week before surgery. It was amazing the difference it made to the way I felt about my future. Grace, with her knowledge and experience, was able to bring a feeling of calm and control to a situation which until then had felt like I was walking through a nightmare. She supported my choice to have a mastectomy and gave information and advice about the operation which increased my feelings of control.

After the operation, Grace suggested various genomic tests which might identify the best path forward. She was also able to direct me to an amazing oncologist who understands the person as well as the disease.

I would sincerely recommend Grace to anyone who is going through the cancer maze. It can be a very lonely and confronting journey and sometimes one with which even family members can’t really identify. But Grace Gawler can; she’s been there, done that and she understands the emotions as well as the disease.
Judith Sept 2021

Judith update: October 2021

An extremely important part of my recovery has been the weekly video Survivorship Care Plan sessions I have with Grace. During these sessions I am able to discuss any issues I’ve encountered with someone who understands what it feels like to be a patient. Grace’s expertise allows me to access immediate feedback on my DNA tests, blood tests and nutrition. These weekly video sessions with Grace have been invaluable to my recovery. I am now cancer free and moving on to the Wellness Care Plan so that I can continue to have Grace’s support and guidance.

Explore the possibilities & be the most successful patient you can be

Turning a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis into a Positive

SURVIVOR STORY: Alison Recurrent TNBC BRCA2 mutation

Alison from NSW was diagnosed in 2016. She had a double mastectomy, various chemotherapies and radiotherapy. Became a Navigated Patient in Sept 2020

Recurrent TNBC with a BRCA2 mutation was a confronting diagnosis and the standard treatments for TNBC patients did not work for me.

Alison says; searching for alternative treatments on the internet and elsewhere wasted my time, energy and money.

But instead of giving up hope and living the rest of my life in fear, fortunately I found Grace Gawler!

With decades of experience and a vast knowledge of treatments in Australia and internationally, Grace sorts fact from fiction and leaves no stone unturned to find evidenced-based therapies for me.

The pandemic has stopped me from pursuing any overseas options, but in the meantime, Grace told me about a state-of-the-art and minimally invasive stereotactic radiotherapy treatment in Perth to deal with a liver metastasis.

Knowledge is power so Grace’s advice and support, every step of the way, empowers me in my oncology consultations. Like the rest of my family, I’m very grateful for Grace’s ongoing commitment to help me.
She cares about me as a person, not just a patient and has made an incredible difference in my LIFE.

Alison took advantage of genomic testing.

Breast Cancer Genomic testing:

In line with Grace Gawler Institute’s ethic, our preferred genomic testing laboratory offers compassionate and professional testing services, aiming to provide an innovative synergy between state-of-the-art technology and genetic expertise.

Testing tumour tissue for BRCA mutations can help provide information on potential therapeutic options and likely resistance, as well as clinical trials and new treatments you may be able to access.
BRCA Plus Panel Sequencing

The BRCA Plus panel covers both the BRCA1 & BRCA2 tumour suppressor genes, as well as 10 other genes commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA Plus testing can be performed using somatic (tissue) samples in patients currently diagnosed with cancer, or germline (blood) samples in patients who are at an elevated risk of developing cancer. The BRCA Plus analysis may identify the underlying genetic mutations that are unique to their cancer and can be useful for patients wanting to determine their risk of familial cancer. Contact Grace

Update Nov 2022 – Sadly Alison lost her battle with TNBC. With undetected brain metastases she was hospitalised and unable to access treatment. More soon.

Grace comments on how Alison made a positive from TNBC – June 2022

Alison has shown all the attributes of a survivor-focused attitude. Dedication and determination have served her well along with the amazing support of her husband.

She has applied discipline and compliance. Her communications with me have been exceptional. Coaching and emotional support have been mainstays of her cancer recovery program.

Based on decades of experience referring patients overseas, it became clear that Alison was running out of options. I sought international opinions to treat her liver and skin metastases.

She was accepted for treatment at two of our trusted international clinics; treatments not available in Australia.

It took a combined effort to make the impossible possible! Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she decided that the time had come to seek treatment overseas.

She and her husband obtained medical visas and departed Australia. Whilst overseas, as part of her Survivorship Care Plan, she was intensively navigated via emails and video calls. She has responded exceptionally well, and her treating doctors are delighted with her outcome.

Back in Australia her navigation program continues.

Background: Alison joined my Institute’s Survivorship Care Plan in September 2020. At that time her TNBC was advancing despite heavy treatments that included surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and to further complicate matters, there were skin metastases. Via oncology professionals in our medical network, genomic testing was performed. Second opinions were gathered, and a long-term survivorship plan was actioned. Alison took advantage of complementary medicine & functional food supplements that I prescribed and her wellbeing throughout treatment remained at a high level. Alison’s future is now looking brighter with life extension. It is a joy to support her on her healing journey.

How Grace can help you create a cancer recovery toolkit

Stress Reduction, Communication Skills & Resilience

There are no dress rehearsals for a cancer diagnosis or recurrence. You may be required to build a new skill set or draw more intensively upon your resources.

When you join a Survivorship Care Plan we help you build psychological & emotional resilience; as well we assist you to develop tools for managing trauma & stress associated with your diagnosis & treatments.

My role as your cancer navigator and patient advocate means you can free your vital energy required for healing and recovery.

Your Survivorship Care Plan toolkit includes
Lifestyle and Complementary Medicine

When it comes to supplements many patients use the more is better principle often leading to dangerous self-prescription. Many are unaware of potential interactions with conventional treatments. We aim to remove the guesswork by recommending a drug sensitivity profile analysis called Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

Grace can also introduce you to the latest nutritional gene tests that can provide information on how you can optimise your nutrition and metabolism.

When skilfully prescribed, complementary medicines can make a significant contribution to a patient’s recovery. By using her qualified approach, she can help you reduce the stress of decision making

Explore your Survivorship Possibilities Now

Contact Grace

Grace Gawler