Survivor Testimonials
Testimonial Ethics:
All Grace Gawler Institute testimonials are medically verifiable. To protect patient privacy, names and photos are omitted. Some patients had long and difficult journeys and ultimately succumbed to their illness. To honour their tenacity, even though they are no longer with us, we are currently constructing a special page where their stories can live on. (coming soon)
NEW:
NEW – Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma – base of tongue and lymph node.
A minimally invasive approach – 2021 in Remission
Lawrence – Northern NSW, Australia. Contacted Grace Gawler Institute. Nov 2019
Here’s what Lawrence had to say about his experience being navigated by the Grace Gawler Institute….
“Although I was the patient, my journey was a joint partnership with my wife.
In October 2019, I discovered a lump in my neck. This came as a great shock as I had been
living a very healthy lifestyle and I felt fitter than I had felt for many years. I got the shocking
news that I had Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
The referring radiologist’s recommendations of a biopsy, surgery and a possible neck
dissection, followed up by chemo-radiation therapy just didn’t feel right, as the potential side
effects sounded horrific. It scared the hell out of me.
My wife and I were desperately searching Dr Google for alternative cures, and while
researching nutrition, stumbled upon the Grace Gawler Institute. It felt like a good fit for us, and we sent an email straight away.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Soft Tissue Sarcoma with Metastases – diagnosed 2014
2021 moving towards Remission
Wayne R – Busselton, West Australia, contacted us in Dec 2019
My name is Wayne and I have been wrestling with soft tissue sarcoma for 6 years, Large primary tumour in the thigh with secondary large abdominal tumour.
Initially following mainstream treatment options (chemo, radiotherapy, surgery) I respectfully passed up on the proposed surgery and was referred to palliative care.
Our Long Term Survivors tell their Stories:
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) –
Diagnosed 2010 – 2021 still in Remission
Alan M. Gold Coast. Long Term Survivor – left sinus spread to scalp and facial nerves in 2010.
One year before my cancer diagnosis I had constant headaches, but all standard diagnostic tests were normal. Then I developed numbness throughout my left scalp that spread to my tongue nose and then mouth. An MRI found a meningioma, but they thought that it was benign and nothing to do with my symptoms. A biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in behind my eye and surrounding structures. Pathology performed on my tissue called it a secondary or metastatic SCC cancer, but no primary lesion was found.
Advanced metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Diagnosed 2013 – Still in remission 2021
Robert – Perth, WA. Long Term Survivor – salivary gland with lung metastases – 2013.
My original diagnosis in 2013 showed a parotid tumour. I had a neck dissection diagnosed with SCC with mets in lung. PET CT showed avid nodules. The prognosis was poor. Grace Gawler, from the Grace Gawler Institute, organised for me to visit Japan for immune therapy in September 2015 after previous surgery, chemotherapy and radiation failed to halt progression of my metastases. Remarkably I only went once and the benefit was huge.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – orbit and optic nerve (SCC)
Diagnosed 2016 – still in Remission 2021
John, Sydney, NSW. Long Term Survivor.

A high profile NSW man, contacted the Grace Gawler Institute just two days before his scheduled surgery at a reputable Sydney hospital. They were about remove his eye socket & upper facial quadrant. He was extremely distressed knowing he faced a rigorous 5 month recovery affecting his quality of life. Given the urgency of his situation, within hours of his Skype call, Grace consulted her international medical network for a second opinion. Before long his scans & reports were sent to renowned eye cancer experts in Germany & Japan. A lengthy dialogue with many email exchanges followed.
Metastatic prostate cancer:
Diagnosed 2011 – still in Remission 2021
Pete – Qld
Advanced metastatic gallbladder cancer Janet – Queensland. Long Term Survivor
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) locally advanced – both breasts.I was 43 when diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the time of diagnosis, my PSA was over 100. The cancer had already metastasised from my prostate; several lymph nodes were involved and there were spots detected in my ribs. I was told that control and not cure was the objective and that because of my age; the cancer was overly aggressive. Life changed dramatically that day.
Diagnosed 2016 – still in Remission 2021Janet’s husband –”I feel so lucky that I clicked onto Grace’s name whilst doing a google search on behalf of my wife, Janet, who was diagnosed with advanced metastatic gallbladder cancer. * When I clicked onto her website, I immediately related to the mantra of ‘navigating the cancer maze’! That was exactly what Janet and I needed. Grace immediately gave us new HOPE, VISION & DIRECTION that we were sadly lacking at that stage of our journey!
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2021
Sandra B. NSW. Long Term Survivor – Long term remission from 2014.
I was shocked when diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer – a high grade carcinoma with lymph node involvement. The doctors said that my cancer was locally advanced with several lumps evident on scans throughout my breast. I had only found one lump which I ignored for several months before seeking help. When further suspicious nodes were found I began to lose hope. I was lucky they said as my cancer had not metastasised anywhere else in my body it was localised in the breast and lower nodes. I was told that these types of tumours (TNBC) are often chemo resistant and there were no guarantees that even with radical treatment that I would be OK. Despondent with my poor prognosis, I was even more fearful when many doctors said that because I was young, 40 years old, my cancer was likely to be extremely aggressive and fast growing. There were no hormone treatments.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) locally advanced.
Diagnosed 2015 – still in Remission 2021
Alexa M. Victoria. Long Term Survivor. 2015
Early in 2015 at 54 years of age I underwent a lumpectomy and chose not to have follow up treatment. My breast lump was relatively small, and surgeons said they had performed a wide excision and although they recommended, I follow up with either chemotherapy alone or radiotherapy or both to be sure. Under the microscope my small lump was a triple negative breast cancer. A positive thinker, I’d always had an ethic of following natural and lifestyle medicine and I was prepared to take the risk of getting on with my life and leaving cancer behind me.
I travelled overseas for a holiday, but although I did not mention to anyone, nagging fears began to plague me; fears about the cancer coming back. Those fears caused me to decide whilst I was in Europe that I would undergo a course of treatment at a German Cancer clinic where I had a few treatments including whole body hyperthermia to help prevent a recurrence. I took supplements prescribed by a naturopath and German doctor. I thought little about breast cancer when I returned to Australia.
Advanced Micro Papillary Breast Cancer with Bone Metastases.
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2021
Marianne, NSW. Long Term Survivor
Grace is the light in a sea of darkness for me. An angel brought into my life, she guided me through the complex process of obtaining effective cancer treatments overseas! Having been diagnosed in February 2014 with breast cancer, and having taken a number of alternative treatments working on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level, I was given the all clear. However, in November 2016, I was diagnosed with a huge tumour in my breast which metastasised extensively into my bones.
Invasive Breast Carcinoma – Triple Positive
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2021
Marnie, Queensland 2014 – 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.
Breast Cancer: To our best knowledge:
Diagnosed 2015 – still in Remission 2021
Fairlie South Australia – Breast Cancer
Grace is the “missing link” in the complex world of multi-disciplinary cancer management and treatment. Her ability to see the whole landscape of treatment and care options both nationally and internationally is unparalleled! As someone with a recent breast cancer diagnosis, she has been invaluable in assisting me with unpacking and interpreting the myriad of differing opinion that is out there.
Advanced breast cancer – hormone positive – stage IV (Male) lung metastases.
Diagnosed 2006 – tumours dormant in 2021
Mark. Brisbane. Long Term Survivor
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. I had a mastectomy and chemo. My cancer came back in 16 lymph nodes and both lungs. Australia had nothing new or promising to offer. They just gave me time and said I had a hard road ahead of me.
So my wife started a Google search and came across Grace’s website. We joined a Survive & Thrive Cancer Navigation Plan in 2014.
With Grace’s Cancer Navigation Service, Grace collaborates with various overseas doctors on our behalf, advising and monitoring all treatments in great detail and consistency.
Diagnosed 2002 – many recurrences – low grade to high grade 2021
Carol. New Zealand – Long Term Survivor.
Grace saved my mums life. She read the medical files, had a Skype session with us, told us who could help, forwarded all files and a summary to those doctors, and kept in relatively good contact along the way. Mums stage 4 cancer is now barely visible. Best of all she’s alive after NZ doctors said she had 3 months maybe a few more to live. That was back in 2017. Thank you. Carol’s Daughter.
NOTE: Carol has survived using a combination of treatments including proton beam, cell based immune therapy and other targeted treatments.
Ovarian cancer – liver and peritoneal metastases
Diagnosed 2015 – still in remission 2021
Rachel. Queensland, Australia – Long Term Survivor
Email update from Rachel: Just letting you know I had PET/CT scan and results yesterday and I am all clear. I have No cancer! Many, many thanks for all your care of me and support over the past year and a bit and throughout my cancer journey. You gave us direction, courage, hope and lots of good paths to follow especially sending us to Japan and recommending a new oncologist and surgeon. My husband and I are so very grateful. We can’t thank you enough.
Rachel’s Story: In January 2016 liver metastases were diagnosed along with multiple peritoneal nodes.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma – advanced primary liver cancer
Diagnosed 2017 – Long Term Survivor
Gary. Canada
My name is Gary, I was diagnosed with severe advanced liver cancer in 2017 of this year. I was given a year to live – probably less. Knowing I was in trouble I started checking around. Fortunately after combing the internet I came across a cancer navigator. Never heard of one of those but it was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.
Advanced (local spread) Rectal Adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosed 2017 – still in Remission.
Ngareta. Qld
I cannot recommend Grace highly enough. Because of her, I’m now cancer-free. I was diagnosed last December, and didn’t know what to do. Luckily I found Grace, and I signed up for a cancer navigation package. I was totally opposed to having medical treatment, but she convinced me that that was the right way to go.
Nodal Marginal Zone Non-Hodgkins lymphoma stage IV.
Diagnosed 2017 – still in Remission 2021
Karen. Darwin- Long Term Survivor – Oct 2017.
In October 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Nodal Marginal Zone Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A mouthful I know! My NHL is one of over 40 different types of lymphoma. Mine is a very rare one and there is currently no treatment available for me. I am on what the Doctor’s call a ‘watch and wait’, with my Haematologist checking me every 4 months for symptoms. This means that I wait until it gets worse and I start to display symptoms then they will do chemotherapy treatment.