Successful treatment of a conjuctival melanoma has left Lisa Chesters cancer free.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Federal Member for Bendigo was diagnosed with the very rare form of melanoma earlier this year.
“It is good stand here and say I'm cancer free, it's something I think everybody who has been in this situation looks forward to,” she said.
“I was lucky to be able to get treatment early, so I didn't lose my eye or worse.”
Ms Chesters first had a spot on her eyeball checked in 2014 and in 2016 but its removal was not thought to be essential.
A second specialist suggested removing it as a safety precaution.
Tests after the operation showed the spot to be cancerous with Ms Chesters undergoing radiation treatment and a a second surgery to ensure all the melanoma cells were cleared.
“My experience has been minor compared to the fight many are taking on with cancer.
“I know there are some families going through the fight of their life, they have a loved one in a similar situation to me and I say to them hang in there. You have great nurses, great support staff, you're in the b est possible care.”
Ms Chesters said early detection and treatment was vital.
“It was the second opinion for me that saved my eye,” she said.
“The first specialist said it was nothing to worry about but the spot kept changing and that's the critical thing for a melanoma, so I got a second opinion.”
“The other part to it is that, I'm on a decent wage and can afford the out of pocket fees. In a way I jumped the queue because I can afford to pay. That's wrong, everyone shoud have access to quality health care when they need it.”
Following the positive news of being cancer free, Ms Chesters has thrown her support behind two Bendigo intensive care nurses who are fundraising for the Cancer Council Victoria.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Damien Hurrell and ICU nurse unit manager Darcy Bales will hit the links in the name of cancer next week.
“Throwing my support behind the nurses here is away for me to say good on you,”
“We know research makes a difference, we know that if we're able to fund research and raise awareness we can get better treatment plans and support for patients.”
The pair tee off at about 5.15am next Monday as they raise money for Cancer Council Victoria’s The Longest Day fundraiser.
“(The Longest Day fundraiser) popped up on my Facebook and I thought it was fantastic idea,” Mr Hurrell said.
“I've played two rounds in a day before but four will be a challenge. I'm happy to raise as much as we possibly. Every dollar makes a difference.
“I'm sponsoring Darcy for balls lost. So every time he loses a ball, the Cancer Council wins and I think they're onto a winner there.”
Mr Hurrell said he hoped the fundraiser would make a positive difference in the fight against cancer.
“As nurses, we know how much cancer effects people, so we thought this was a different and fun way to help out,” he said.
“I was toying with the idea of playing this challenge when I heard that Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters had had a melanoma removed from her eye, and that really brought home to me how important it is to keep up the fight against skin cancer.”
To donate to Damien Hurrell and Darcy Bales’ fundraiser visit their team page at https://longestday2018.everydayhero.com/au/bendigo-icu
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.