Testimonials -

Survivor Stories

The survivor stories below are of patients carefully navigated by Grace on a survivorship care plan. They have been able to access innovative treatment hubs via Grace’s national and international medical networks.

All stories are medically verifiable. To protect patient privacy, names and photos are omitted.

Cancers with the same name are not all the same

Patient Stories presented on this website are done so to acknowledge and congratulate the women I have assisted during their cancer recovery.

I am aware that women diagnosed with cancer are often keen to follow the journeys of other recovered patients and especially, celebrities.

Whilst cancer survival stories are inspiring, I highly recommend that you don’t try to copy recovery protocols of other patients. To do so, places you in a one size fits all category.

Remember, even if a cancer is diagnosed by the same name; your cancer is highly likely to be different. For example there are many different types of breast cancer requiring different treatment strategies.

An important lesson in tumour biology is that histologically similar tumours can have extensive differences when analysed at the genomic level. This is why genomic testing can be so helpful in determining a treatment pathway.

Like people; not all cancers are the same.

Survival Stories - Women with Cancer

Alison – Recurrent TNBC BRCA2 mutation

Alison, just returned from successful treatments overseas, requested we use her real photo. 10 June 2022

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 June 2022 – Alison has recently returned from treatment services aimed at eliminating her liver and skin metastasies. She continues to improve and her treatment has been deemed successful.

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.

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.

Well, I thought with all the work I had done I had conquered my fear of my mortality. It came back in full force overshadowing me, with anxiety at an all time high. After doing so much emotional work, I was shocked to see how much fear I still had. I have avoided the medical system most of my life, as I never received clear answers for my ailments. Fear surrounded me when it came to allopathic medicine. Fear of diagnosis and treatment was overwhelming.

The immense, unbearable pain over two months lead me to succumb to see a doctor. Fear and pain had a hold of me! I felt defeated! My worst fears had come to realisation. Test after test revealed my worst nightmare. I feel so blessed to have been guided to Grace. She has been pinnacle in transforming my fears of doom and gloom to hope. Poor Grace. Working diligently to keep me on course through the many times I wanted to bail ship! Through her loving and caring nature, Grace was able to put me back on track.

I wanted to take any opportunity to deviate from this course, believing that alternative ways were the only way to full recovery, and also within my comfort zone. Other treatments showed up for me to go off track from the path Grace was desperately trying to keep me on! So many supposedly great treatments out there that swear they cure cancer, all very believable when in such a fragile emotional state. From well meaning family and friends they are all legitimate in their belief that they work.

Unlike the path Grace leads you on, they are a one size fits all treatment for everyone. I definitely do not fit into the one-size fits all category, as revealed through the many tests Grace led me to have. Grace steered me in the right direction each time with logical sound reasoning from her wealth of knowledge, understanding of other treatments out there and whether or not they will have any chance of being effective in my individual case.

Achieving great results requires a team effort which Grace co-ordinates so smoothly and professionally. Every Skype call I have had with Grace so far has transformed my doubts, fears and anxiety to peace, hope and knowing that I am on the right track. From the roller coaster three months since my diagnosis, I am now in a state of healing. My health has already improved substantially and I am in a great emotional state, confident and at peace with the paths I am taking.

Since I met Grace (less than 3 months ago Oct 2016) I have gone from being debilitated with pain and suffering to living a normal pain-free healthy energized life on a healing path to optimal health that I have never experienced before. My health issues began as a small child. I have been managing them as best I can but until I met Grace I had no idea why I was having the unusual symptoms I experience. Grace has not only worked out what triggered my health issues and cancer but also a path of healing them along with my cancer!

Grace explains: Invasive micro papillary carcinoma of the breast can be aggressive. It is rare and accounts for less than 1% of invasive breast cancers. Marianne pursued alternative diagnostic procedures for some time which failed to diagnose her rare breast cancer type.

Before embarking on any treatment, Grace recommended a genomic test which was performed on her biopsy tissue. Fortunately, the test revealed, that chemotherapy was not appropriate and that hormone therapy alongside a new breast cancer treatment, would be more targeted to her cancer type. Concurrently, Marianne was referred to an Asian expert for blood-based immune therapy and hyperthermia, both synergistic with the new treatment and hormone therapy.

Due to successful reduction of the main tumour mass in the breast and the disappearance of all but one bone metastases, Marianne is about to undertake her third trip for further treatment. The goal is to reduce the tumour as much as possible before mastectomy. Her long-term outcome is looking favourable. Update: 2021 – despite occasional challenges (successfully treated), Marianne continues to do exceptionally well.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) locally advanced – both breasts.
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2022

Sandra B. NSW. Long Term Survivor

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.

I was advised to have chemotherapy prior to an advised double mastectomy and was prescribed a usual protocol of 18 weeks chemotherapy – Taxotere, Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide. (TAC)- It was tough going, but I got through.

After chemotherapy they could find no evidence of the tumours. Then the next treatment; a double mastectomy. The surgery confirmed a complete response with no residual microscopic disease. Things began to look rosier. When recovered, then came six weeks of radiation therapy. My body felt like a war zone. I was exhausted and traumatised especially with the extra demands of a young family to raise. I asked myself “Should I rest on my laurels” take time out and watch and wait as had been advised.

I am not good at watch and wait so I decided to become proactive being aware of the ongoing risk of recurrence and the impact of side effects that were already plaguing me.

My inflammatory markers were high, and I had constant joint and muscle aches. I found the Grace Gawler Institute which was a turning point. I soon became a client. I had no idea of the huge range of possibilities that awaited me.

As a navigated client of the Grace Gawler Institute, I was prescribed complementary medicines and was referred to a qualified overseas clinic for whole body hyperthermia. Then I travelled to the Institute’s recommended specialist cancer immunologist in Japan.

I underwent a series of personalised cancer vaccines made from my own immune cells. I have returned every year for treatment and a holiday with family. With the advice and support from Grace, my health improved dramatically, my fatigue melted away as did all my aches and pains. I had turned a significant corner in my healing and wellbeing.

Update: It is now 2021. My remission has continued, and my health is beyond expectations. My kids are now teenagers and I know I will be around for them and see their birthdays and graduations and one day hopefully grandkids.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Recurrent advanced metastatic Cancer
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 2022

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.

December 2015 -Rachel presented with right upper quadrant tenderness. Subsequent CT diagnosed multiple liver lesions from 6 cm ovarian mass.

Jan 2016 -PET CT multiple metastatic deposits of the liver intrahepatic Metastatic Deposits (Segment 6 liver) and Peritoneal Metastases in the Pelvis.

January 2016 – Grace suggested that to prepare for chemotherapy- she would request an opinion from Japanese immune therapy specialist. Rachel decided to pursue this approach and underwent pre-treatment with NK and DC vaccines with hyperthermia in Japan (Not drug based immune therapy – but vaccines made from her own cells.)

1 February 2016 – In Australia Rachel entered into a chemotherapy regimen of neo-adjuvant dose dense chemotherapy.

May 2016 – Grace consulted the Japanese doctors again and it was suggested more NK and DC vaccines (with hyperthermia) in Japan would be a significant contribution to recovery chances.

July 2016: Grace suggested Rachel consult a Brisbane oncology-gynaecology surgeon to explore option of a hysterectomy to remove uterus, fallopian tube and remaining ovary as well scope for any other cancers

(Notably in December 2015 surgery, only the left ovary was removed)

Post-treatment completion saw Rachel’s third visit to Asia to receive more immune therapy….DC and NK cells (made from her own cells) with hyperthermia. The outcome was exceptionally positive.

Prior to travelling overseas Rachel had considered a liver resection and major de-bulking surgery. However with the results of a recent PET CT scan and follow-up MRI since returning from Japan she had new options because all that remained was a solitary 5 mm residual tumour, which according to the Japanese doctors, may resolve as the others have done. As of Jan 2021 – Rachel remains well and cancer free.

Advanced metastatic gallbladder cancer
Diagnosed 2016 – still in Remission 2021

Janet – Queensland. Long Term Survivor

Janet’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!

I was not prepared to accept the traditional oncology approach of no other options than chemo. In my wife’s case, we were also told that chemo was not the cure!

Grace’s recommendation to consider a special immune therapy (not drug based) as a value add, in combination with chemotherapy, gave us renewed energy to move forward. Within a fortnight of her recommendation we were on a plane to consult with a world leader in immune therapy.

I fully believe that the immune therapy Janet received has been the XFACTOR in her recovery. Although this can never be proven, her poor prognosis prior to immune therapy, cannot be questioned.

We are true believers in what Grace Gawler achieves in her role as Cancer Navigator!

Update Aug 2020: Testing reveals Janet is in good health and remains cancer free.

Grace explains Janet’s case: On the 17/05/16 Janet was diagnosed with a malignancy of the gallbladder which involved the fundus infiltrating into segment 4 of the liver. There were adhesions of omentum with peritoneal seeding, proven on biopsy. Palliative chemotherapy was given however this was to minimise or stabilise growth with little chance of eradication.

*Metastatic gallbladder cancer – has a poor survival outcome (medium survival time of 4.8 months) especially without surgery. Janet has been declared tumour free by scans and internal biopsies that are negative for a malignancy. (Updated – Feb 2021)

Advanced (local spread) Rectal Adenocarcinoma.
Diagnosed 2017 – still in Remission 2021.

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.

I had chemo/radiation for 6 weeks, meanwhile I was supported by Grace with herbal & nutritional supplements. This made the whole experience much more tolerable, and now the cancer has gone! Under her guidance I travelled to Japan and had immune therapy that was made from my own immune cells. Grace is the best! UPDATE: 2021 – Ngareta maintains good health

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.

I was advised by my Doctor that he will treat me with the chemo used to treat patients with Follicular lymphoma as that is all that is available for me. My symptoms may present in 1 year or 10 years, they don’t know.

This, like any cancer diagnosis was and is devastating. I have two young children and I have been told I have this disease, go home, live healthy, go back to work and get on with your life. My Doctor said, “It’s just bad luck.”

I felt quite hopeless and without any control over my situation, I didn’t even understand it and I didn’t want to search the internet. I was fortunate enough to find a book called ‘From cancer Good Things Grow’ written by Jeffrey Deslandes. He had Follicular lymphoma and was treated with immunotherapy vaccines made from his own immune cells. I contacted Grace to discuss immunotherapy and vaccines because I believed it would help me as it had done for Jeffrey Deslandes. I was aware that the treatment was not offered in Australia. After my first skype with Grace my husband and I both felt a sense of calm wash over us after all of the chaos. Grace sent me research papers, answered my questions, organised a second opinion at short notice and other testing. Grace is knowledgeable, caring and helps to make you feel supported and empowered.

We paid for the navigation plan which, included numerous of video calls, numerous emails and assistance. We always felt better after talking to her. Grace made arrangements for me to go to Japan for immunotherapy in just under 6 weeks after my first skype with her. I had excellent treatment in Japan with an amazing cancer immunologist and his team. I was in Japan for just over 1 month for the treatment. I felt good going to the clinic and I couldn’t wait to go back each visit. It had positive effects on me both physically and mentally. I cannot recommend Grace highly enough. Update: Karen remains well as of July 2021

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 2022

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.

Primary Peritoneal Cancer – Diagnosed 2017 – updated 2022

Irene, Qld – written by Irene’s husband – Joe

In 2017 my wife was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal cancer where the treatment was the same as Ovarian cancer. After the operation and first lot of Chemo therapy my wife had ongoing intravenous Chemo based preventative injections. After about 8 months her CA125 count started to climb to above 30. At this point she had to start the chemo sessions again. I was aware of the success of the Japan immunotherapy treatment which worked for my niece’s partner who had breast cancer and was running out of options in Australia.

We decided that ongoing chemo was not going to work for very long so I contacted Grace at the Grace Gawler Institute to access the treatment ASAP. Grace responded quickly and explained and organised the start of the treatment process some 6 weeks later.

When we left Australia for Japan, I was pushing Irene around in a wheel chair as she could not walk more than a 100 M without having to stop. Once the initial treatment started Irene started to feel better within days and at the end of the three weeks treatment was able to walk 500M. Her CA 125 count had dropped to 9 from a count of 27 at the start of the treatment. The best the chemo could do was bring it down to 18. On top of that her blood results came back to normal levels and has stayed that way for two and a half years. Also my wife had fluid in the Pleural (lung space) which had to be drained several times early in her conventional treatment. It was kept in check once the chemo started. The chemo only reduced the levels whereas the Japanese cancer vaccine treatment completely dried up the right pleura and her left lung pleural fluid was reduced to a small amount. This hasn’t changed in the past 12 months. Another outcome of the process for this treatment was having a genomic test which identified that the cancer was a TP53 and BRAC2 gene mutation. Therefore Irene was able to take an oral treatment, a PARP inhibitor and hence the ongoing treatment and now prevention treatment is ongoing. This has allowed us to travel more and we are about to embark on a caravan trip up north. When available again after the pandemic, I strongly recommend that anyone considering cancer vaccine treatment in Japan should investigate the possibilities with Grace as it has worked very well for my wife. However, it doesn’t work for everyone but for me it was worth a go if it meant reduced chemotherapy.

I would also like to acknowledge my niece who helped with research. We thank Grace for expediting the treatment in Japan then guiding us to genomic diagnostics for a targeted approach to Irene’s cancer. Latest scans show that a Irene is stable, no metastases and feeling very well.

Metastatic Ovarian Cancer

Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 1990. 2021 resolved. Minimal residual ovarian cancer 2021

Anna F – Sydney NSW, Australia

When I was first diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, I was not at all concerned, we had found it early and I had complete faith in the medical team that I had supporting me. I was sure that I would get treatment and life would go back to normal. Well, none of that happened!

My first round of Chemo resulted in an anaphylactic response, so we were sent home and told to come back in a week for a different treatment. While the other chemos were not as severe, I continue to be challenged by the treatment and I was horribly unwell on it. But I persevered and completed 8 months of it. At that stage I hoped it was the end of it. Unfortunately, at a follow up appointment 6 months later I was told that it was visible again. So, we moved onto a large surgery to scrap out my insides and internal chemo wash during it, followed by another 6 months of chemo. It did not take long before we had that conversation again, after three months it was visible again.

At this point we did not know where to turn, the oncology team concluded that Chemo does not work and because I have other underlying health conditions, I was not eligible for Clinical Trials and t in short, they did not have many in the box options. This sent me headfirst in to the world of exploring my own possible treatments. Lucky for me this is when Grace came across our path.

I could not be more grateful for Grace having come into my life, she was able to bring it all together, was willing to look me holistically and see me as the unique individual that I am. This resulted in several significant outcomes.

Possible paths for treatment: these came through her arming all of us with knowledge about me, importantly information on treatment effectiveness, what should be focused on and what should be left on the shelf. No surprise that we found that chemotherapy should have been left on the shelf. I try not to dwell on the hell I went through when I could I have known at the outset it was never going to work. Today we still have options at hand depending on what may come next.
Grace supports me to craft communication that I can use with my medical team. This has been invaluable because I have had involvement with many medical disciplines as well as complementary. Grace helped me to figure out what I needed to do and what complementary medicines I needed to take.
Identifying what was driving severe inflammation of the bowel, Ulcerative Colitis for over 30 years. Grace’s curiosity and tenacity meant she was not going to leave this one alone. This was because inflammation is so intricately linked to cancer and because each of the medical discipline abdicated, assigning the cause to the other discipline. We knew that if we did not sort this one the repercussions were endless. Sort it she did, there were many layers and she patiently peeled them back getting to the root cause and beautifully took me with her.
Her science-based knowledge, broad experience and compassion has given me hope. With her support I am sure that no matter what I can get through anything.

So, would I recommend Grace to anyone that is looking to navigate the complexity of cancer treatment? The answer – a whole hearted yes!

Invasive Breast Carcinoma – Triple Positive
Diagnosed 2014 – still in Remission 2022

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.

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 – Jan 2021 – Grace and I attended Marnie’s 50th birthday – she looks great.”

Men's Survivor 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.

In retrospect, like many people living in QLD I had several skin lesions removed over the years but not all of them were biopsied. Most of these were removed by my GP. If there had been a primary SCC tumour on my skin, it was long gone.

I underwent radiation and chemotherapy (cisplatin) – but the condition progressed with doctors changing my chemotherapy to Docetaxel, 5FU and Carboplatin. The tumour progressed. A large tumour was now profusely growing out of my left eyebrow and I was told that surgery was the only option, and that such a procedure would virtually remove almost half of my face, then I would need more chemotherapy and that might buy me an extra 6 months.

A naturopath friend I knew recommended Grace Gawler. I had a one-hour solutions focussed consultation with Grace. She took a thorough history whilst I was in her consulting room, then contacted an oncologist she knew whom she believed could help. Within minutes it was all arranged, and I was booked in for an urgent consultation with him later that same day.

He prescribed an oral cancer medicine called Tarceva (Erlotinib) a type of targeted cancer drug. It was off label for me, but I could pay for it and given I had little other option than surgery, I agreed to give it a try.

That day signified a turning point. Although I felt fatigued from previous then current treatment, there were no more headaches, facial numbness was stable, and I felt generally well and able to function normally. My eye had been affected due to the tumour and radiation, but I had sight in a forward direction, peripheral vison was not functioning. But most important of all my tumour began to regress significantly.

Stage one had been completed. Grace encouraged me to leverage off the success and seek further targeted treatment. With the support of my new oncologist, I travelled to Germany and underwent local chemoperfusion at the University of Frankfurt Hospital. I had other treatments including a very exacting method of whole-body hyperthermia that took 6 hours each session spread over many weeks. My German doctors who were excellent with communicating with Grace, were now becoming a team. Targeted complementary medicines along with further conventional treatment was added. I started interferon along with another drug that was traditionally used for treating acne. Vitamin D was added.

My disease had gone into complete remission. My quality of life was high-I had returned to my work as a pharmacist. Then there was the decision as to whether I should have surgery whilst in remission to prevent a recurrence. I chose not to have surgery and continued my chosen path with Grace’s guidance. A few extra visits to Germany for follow up just in case there were any residual cells and then I was closely monitored by scan and blood tests for many years. I lost some further sight in my eye and some of my scalp and facial nerves remain slightly numb. There is of course a much larger story to tell but it would fill a book and is beyond the scope of a summary testimonial.
2020 Update: I am now 74, retired and enjoying life and family. Grateful for the help I have received both inside and outside the box of cancer medicine. The consultation with Grace Gawler that day proved a significant turning point in my cancer journey and is testimonial to using professional advice for a best of both worlds approach.

My remission is fully verifiable with complete records.

Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma – base of tongue and lymph node – A minimally invasive approach.
Diagnosed 2019 – still in Remission 2022

Lawrence – Northern NSW, Australia.

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.

Grace was very reassuring in our FaceTime consults and emails and said that there were safe, minimally invasive options that we could explore other than the standard treatment. They were ‘high tech medical options’ and she could connect us with the specialists.

She got busy immediately and while waiting for answers to her inquiries on our behalf, she prescribed specific nutritional functional food supplements. We did not have too wait too long when the email came that I had been accepted for treatment in an overseas university hospital.

We travelled to a world expert in Frankfurt, Germany three times from December to March to get Trans-arterial-chemo-embolisation, a targeted Chemo treatment directly to the tumours.
The tumours responded well to the treatments and we were on track to have a follow up ablation when Covid-19 hit. This delayed my final treatment for several months.
During this time, we increased our focus on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This was a very useful tool in calming those feelings of anxiety and fear that a cancer diagnosis can bring.
Thanks to Grace’s expertise, knowledge and contacts, we were able to travel with a medical exemption, to receive Cyberknife Radiosurgery. The Clinic was fantastic and worked with Grace behind the scenes to arrange my treatment plan while we were stuck in Covid quarantine.
I had five cyberknife treatments that were very successful with minimal side effects and will have my follow up PET/Scan and consultation in December.

Through all of this experience, we have found Grace’s professionalism and care for our
individual needs very reassuring, and we are so very glad we found the Grace Gawler Institute on a Google search. Thank You

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.

Australian medical experts discussed best treatment options for John and suggested a plan of treatment. He also consulted a German pathologist who provided a second opinion on the type of cancer found in his biopsy. The biopsy results were provided to GGI’s Japanese colleagues and a new minimally invasive treatment plan was recommended.

John cancelled his surgery and flew to Japan for cyber-knife treatment with a world expert. He also benefited from cell-based cancer vaccines. His side-effects were minimal and the treatment was successful. He later experienced a small recurrence that was successfully treated with a targeted therapy. Update: John retains his eye and upper facial quadrant and remains tumour free – Jan 2021

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.

Grace also arranges extensive genomic testing on your specific type of cancer which has never been offered to us previously.
This would all be an impossible task for us to do as we do not have the experience or knowledge that Grace has.
Grace has become a close friend to us now and I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for all her hard work in finding the best successful treatments for me. I would highly recommend Grace to anyone trying to navigate the difficult cancer maze. Update: 2021 Mark experiences high level well being. His lung tumours are dormant.

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.

The Grace Gawler Institute is a wonderful organisation that only have the patient’s needs in mind. Grace and Pip have searched the world to help people like me. Which is how I ended up in Japan.

While receiving immunotherapy at Tokyo Grace organised for me to be put in touch with an expert on HCC carcinoma at a Japanese hospital. “We can deal with that was their answer.” Which is exactly what happened.

Japanese hospitals are a thing to behold their commitment to patient care is incredible. All through this process I had an angel on my shoulder in the form of Grace whose advice and care makes you realize you have somebody with you all the way. She makes sure you are getting the best treatment possible – she collaborates and orchestrates it all.

Grace insists on following up when treatment is finished – as after care is almost as important as treatment to maintain a good result. Grace and Pip have been an absolute godsend even taking the extra step of supporting my wife through this traumatic experience.

This is the reason I feel I have an angel on my shoulder as I know I have them watching out for me. Even my cousin said when he found out what happened,” you found an angel didn’t you”. I totally agreed.

I would recommend The Grace Gawler Institute to anyone that asks. Because of them am looking at staying on this world for a lot more years to come.

Thank you Grace and Pip – Gary Howes

Metastatic prostate cancer:
Diagnosed 2011 – still in Remission 2022

Pete – Queensland Australia

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.

Rather than surgery I had extensive radiotherapy to my pelvis; Zoledex and a series of different anti-hormone therapies followed over the years. I also tried various complementary medicines. I kept the cancer at bay sometimes for short periods and sometimes for longer periods.

But in 2017 I had a crippling pain flare up in my ribs. It was then I sought help from the Grace Gawler Institute’s Grace Gawler. She helped me to organise a genomic test via an oncologist. The results shed light on damaged DNA that was driving the cancer to grow. Grace prescribed some complementary meds and recommended I visit the Institute’s preferred cancer immunologist in Japan for cell based immune therapy, which I did. I also began bone strengthening drugs with a monthly infusion and then had targeted radiation to ribs. All this was followed up with new hormonal management. Grace and her experts made a plan that enabled me to action a plan that used a combination of strategized treatments. Grace added some vital missing links into my original plan, and it was those missing links that made a difference to my outcome. I have been monitored since 2017 and remain in good health in 2021.

Update:

It is now 2021 and I have remained pain free and cancer free according to blood tests and scans. It has not been a simple recovery and I am ever vigilant with my medical follow up visits.

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