Breast Cancer Survivor Stories

Lizzie – Breast Cancer Survivor
Lizzie had been been told by her GP in April 2023: “Your breast tumour was so advanced I thought it would explode. I was expecting you to be in a wheelchair and did not expect you to survive”, but here you are a year later, and you are walking again and back at your work. I can’t believe what I am seeing”!

Lizzie was deemed palliative, and her unrelenting pain became so severe at one point, she even asked her doctor about assisted suicide. A relative prompted her to contact Grace Gawler, who delivered the good news that she had helped many so-called palliative patients in the past.

Although bedridden, Grace helped her navigate through the medical system where she was offered targeted cancer treatments. UPDATE 2025 – Tumours are regressing and she feels very well.

A year passed and great improvements were made, but some symptoms returned. Lizzie and Grace worked intensively, left no stone unturned and even more targeted solutions were included in her program.

Her health has improved immensely, and her spirit is shining. It was at this time that her GP was amazed and bewildered by the changes he witnessed.

Grace is continuing to assist Lizzie to increase her overall well-being whilst continuing to navigate her to access state-of-the-art cancer treatments that one year ago, would not have been offered let alone been thought possible.
Grace Gawler Analysis and update 2026 : Alongside targeted treatment Lizzie chose to visit Japan for cell based therapy. It has been a turning point. Many of her tumours have regressed and she is back at work.

Lizzie‘s Sister (Charlotte) comments – 2026

I am writing to offer my wholehearted support for Grace and to express how profoundly her work has impacted my family during one of the most challenging periods of our lives.

In early 2023, my sister Lizzie was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with bone metastasis. Like many families facing such devastating news, we were overwhelmed and frightened.

Our first appointment with a highly regarded hospital oncologist left us feeling utterly defeated.

Despite Lizzie appearing otherwise healthy, we were told in a matter-of-fact way that stage 4 meant she was considered palliative.

Medication was prescribed with little discussion of alternatives, while the potential side effects were strongly emphasised.

We left that appointment devastated.

The drive home was sombre. After reflecting on the consultation, Lizzie felt unable to accept the palliative prognosis as her only path forward, and she was deeply reluctant to commence treatment without exploring every possible option.

That was when we found Grace.

From the very beginning, Grace brought something we had been desperately missing: hope, clarity, and possibility. Her depth of knowledge is extraordinary. She tirelessly researches and uncovers the most relevant evidence-based and cutting-edge therapies, drawing from both established medical treatments and emerging options from leading clinics around the world.

What sets Grace apart is not only her exceptional knowledge, but her unwavering commitment to each person she supports. She approaches every situation with compassion, diligence, and determination. She has consistently empowered us with information, helped us navigate complex treatment decisions, and given us confidence to pursue therapies that have offered Anne the very best chance—not only for survival, but for remission.

We are now nearly three years on from Lizzie’s diagnosis, and Grace continues to support us every step of the way. Time and again, when we are uncertain, discouraged, or facing difficult decisions, our immediate response is, “We’ll ask Grace.”

Her insight, research, and guidance have been invaluable to us. Beyond her professional expertise, she is simply a deeply caring and remarkable human being whose kindness and dedication shine through in everything she does.

I cannot overstate the difference Grace has made to our journey. I genuinely do not know what we would have done without her.

I strongly support Grace in receiving sponsorship and recognition for her work. The level of excellence, innovation, and compassionate care she provides is extraordinary, and I have no doubt that supporting her will enable more individuals and families to benefit from the life-changing guidance she offers.

Susie 30 May 2026

Hormone Positive Breast Cancer
Diagnosed 2014 – Recurrence 2022
Deb B. Qld. Long Term Survivor 2025

I have no family history of breast cancer. In July 2022 at 45 years of age, I was diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence. My initial diagnosis was in 2014 at the age of 38. At that time I had a lumpectomy, followed by a rigorous program of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In January 2021 I noticed an annoying cough and spent 2021 working my way through 4 different GP’s to try to work out the reason for my cough. I underwent extensive tests, but every blood test, Xray etc provided no answers. By January 2022 I was still coughing, and my breathing started to become laboured. In May 2022 I ended up going to the ER. A CT scan was ordered that showed a mass on my lung that was pressing on my trachea.

They followed up with a bronchoscopy and biopsy that resulted in a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, ER+ PR+ HER2- (same as my cancer in 2014).

A PET CT scan also showed one positive lymph node near my collarbone. I reacted badly to chemotherapy and was prescribed 20 rounds of radiation as the tumour was not operable. My cough disappeared and my breathing improved. My oncologist treated me with additional with a monthly injection of Zoladex.

I was also prescribed a targeted treatment called Ribociclib plus further hormone management with Letrozole. I consulted with Grace Gawler as I was psychologically impacted more by a recurrence than my initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2014. Dealing with fear of another recurrence, and side effects of treatments, as well as following through with further testing using genomic diagnostics, has empowered me to stay the course with my treatment plan. But I have another secret weapon as well as my medical treatment plan, I joined with Grace’s Survivorship Action Plan in August 2022.

Weekly consults have been tremendously helpful, and we are never short of a topic to discuss. Grace has been able to email and communicate with my oncologist which has been a real boost that makes me feel secure. Because of her communication I have been able to identify and report side effects to my oncologist who has welcomed Grace’s insights and input. I feel there is a large gap in the system of the western approach of surgery/chemo/radiation and combining that with a more overall, holistic approach addressing the person as whole. It appears that Grace fills this gap, which is quite exciting for me!

I am no stranger to alternative and complementary medicine, supplements etc and want to support my body and mind in every way that I can as well as including nutrition. Grace has taught me to be conservative and discerning with complementary medicine. Grace’s no one size fits all approach has helped me to dispense with the load of unnecessary and possibly harmful complementary medicine I had been taking in desperation.

I am looking for guidance to bring all of the information together and ensure I am making the best decisions to give my body and mind what it needs to live as long as I possibly can. My goal is to try to extend my life expectancy well past the statistics.

Update: It is 2025 and I am feeling confident as my 3rd PET CT since working with Grace is all clear.

Invasive Breast Carcinoma – Triple Positive
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2023

Marnie, Queensland – Early stage Breast Cancer

“I had the good fortune to find Grace Gawler and Dr Bruce Whelan through Grace’s book “Women of Silence” that was recommended to me by a friend shortly after my breast cancer diagnosis in September 2014.

My first consultation with Dr Whelan and Grace Gawler was within a few weeks of my diagnosis. I, like many newly diagnosed patients had made numerous appointments with ” Dr Google “and had been lured into exploring “alternative” treatments for my cancer, as well as having embarked on radical diet changes.

In that consultation with Grace and Dr Whelan, I soon was made aware of the dangerous nature of some of these “alternative” treatments that are not based on any scientific evidence.

It is difficult to put into words the immediate difference in the way I viewed not only the journey in front of me, but the reassurance that I felt that there was now a ‘buffer zone’ between myself and the doctors and hospital system.

Someone to talk to about treatment decisions and options (very important). Someone who remembers your name without looking at a piece of paper or a computer screen and someone as knowledgeable about cancer treatment as anyone else in the hospital system.

The absolute professionalism and intelligence that both Dr Whelan and Grace possess gives you the confidence and piece of mind that you need to place your trust, your life, in their care.

I was transformed from someone dealing with a diagnosis, stumbling through ‘Dr Google’s’ tangled web, into someone who was relieved and confident that I had found the help I needed to assist me along my treatment journey.

Grace makes herself always available for advice along the way, in a very personal way that makes you feel comfortable to email her about even the smallest things. She very soon feels more like a friend which I feel can be lacking in conventional care.

There is no other person I think that could come close to Grace in her manner, knowledge, enthusiasm and experience. The ‘grace’ that she has in the way that she presents herself in her dealings with people is truly unique.

The gift that she gives to cancer patients and their families during the most difficult times of their lives is one wrapped by her helping hands. I look forward to a long relationship with Grace Gawler her partner Pip and Doctor Whelan long into survivorship and beyond.

UPDATE: ‘ Marnie Rose. QLD, Australia – Update – Oct 2023

Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer mastectomy
still in Remission 2025
Judith C

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 update: 2025:

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.

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.

Grace Gawler Insitute - Helping You Navigate the Cancer Maze

Breast Cancer Survivor Stories

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