Skip to content
  • About
  • Shop
  • News
  • Contact Us
Search
NECA Logo
Menu
NET Nurse
Donate
What are NETs?
Patients & Carers
Healthcare Professionals
Get Involved
NET Nurse
Donate
What are NETs?
  • What are Neuroendocrine Cancers?
  • What are Pheos & Paras?
  • NET Symptoms
  • Causes
  • Treatments
  • Grades
National Action Plan
Patients & Carers
  • Patient & Carer Support
  • Patient Resources
  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • NET Nurse
  • Patient Stories
  • Share your Story
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Clinical Trials
  • Living with NETS
National Action Plan
Healthcare Professionals
  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • Professional Learning
  • Patient Referral
  • Clinical Trials
  • NET Symptoms
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Request an In-Service
  • PLANET Registry
  • Order Booklets & Resources
National Action Plan
Get Involved
  • Advocate for Us
  • Share your Story
  • Donate
  • Fundraise
  • Events
  • In Memoriam
  • Corporate Partners
  • Gifts & Wills
  • Volunteer
National-Action-Plan-1.png
NET Nurse
Donate

Home » Patient Stories » Melissa Davis, VIC

Melissa Davis, VIC

1.  What impact has NETs had on your life?
I was diagnosed in 2011 at the age of 24, I can honestly say cancer had never entered my mind and it never seemed like something that could happen to me. I like to refer to this as my ‘reality check’. Not only did this impact so much of my life but it’s also changed me and what’s important to me. I’m very thankful for the amazing people in my life that supported me through my diagnosis and treatment and who continue to support me with the ongoing appointments, PET scans and blood tests.

2.  What drew you to become involved in the CAG?
I am a very passionate person and I love to get involved. I became involved with the CAG to raise awareness of NETs and I feel very strongly about advocating for changes to our health system, access to scans, drugs and ensuring that the treatment and monitoring required is available EQUALLY to all NETs patients. The CAG is a great opportunity for me to give back and do what I can so support other NET’s patients.

3.  What advice would you to give to a newly diagnosed patient?  What has been most helpful to you in your NET experience?
My advice would be to give yourself time to take in all the information that is often being pushed in front of you, it can be really overwhelming and often the medical system sweeps you up and carries you away.

It’s really important to take a breath and consider what is right for you. The most helpful thing for me was understanding what was going to happen – so ask questions and make sure you fully understand the answers you are given.

It was really important to me to talk things through with my support network and gain the emotional support I needed. Do what is right for you, get the information you need to feel comfortable and don’t be afraid to ask for support because you are never alone.

 

Patient Stories

Catherine, TAS

I had been feeling unwell for some time but nothing specific, a bit nauseous, a lot of flushing (which I thought was probably something to do with menopause) and diarrhoea.  I presented the Doctor with a diary of my week with details of my severe diarrhoea which had worsened about July.   Her response was but that is only a week, and I said that is what every week is like. 

Linda, TAS & NSW

The Doctor mentioned I should start studying as he was very confident of what the diagnosis would be and told me it was very rare and many doctors would not understand or would not have seen it. This was the best advice I ever received.

Denae, SA

The NECA NET Nurse gave me so much support and information. The phone support wasn’t rushed like medical appointments, the resources that she emailed me were full of useful information that I could share with my family. I feel better equipped to advocate for myself now. I don’t feel so alone anymore.

Michelle, QLD

Although feeling very disheartened at my future after diagnosis, something changed in the way I approached it as time has gone on. I decided that I was not going to be defined by this condition. It is a small part of me, I am NOT part of it.

View All

Make a difference

How much do you wish to donate?
$50
$100
$250
$500
$1000
Other

Subscribe to Newsletter

NECA Logo
registered charity badge

What are NETs

  • What Are Neuroendocrine Cancers?​
  • What Are Pheos & Paras?
  • National Patient Awareness
  • What Are Neuroendocrine Cancers?​
  • What Are Pheos & Paras?
  • National Patient Awareness

Patients & Carers

  • Patient & Carer Support
  • Patient Resources
  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • NET Nurse
  • National Action Plan
  • Patient Stories
  • Share your story
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Clinical Trials
  • Living with NETS
  • Patient & Carer Support
  • Patient Resources
  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • NET Nurse
  • National Action Plan
  • Patient Stories
  • Share your story
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Clinical Trials
  • Living with NETS

Healthcare Professionals

  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • Professional Learning
  • Patient Referral
  • Clinical Trials
  • NET Symptoms
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Request an In-Service
  • PLANET Registry
  • Order Booklets & Resources
  • Optimal Care Pathway
  • Professional Learning
  • Patient Referral
  • Clinical Trials
  • NET Symptoms
  • Australian NET Specialists
  • Request an In-Service
  • PLANET Registry
  • Order Booklets & Resources

Get Involved

  • Advocate for us
  • Share your story
  • Donate
  • Fundraise
  • Events
  • In Memoriam
  • Corporate Partners
  • Gifts & Wills
  • Volunteer
  • Advocate for us
  • Share your story
  • Donate
  • Fundraise
  • Events
  • In Memoriam
  • Corporate Partners
  • Gifts & Wills
  • Volunteer
All charity donations to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia may be tax-deductible in Australia.

Registered Charity CFN 202607
© 2023 NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia
  • Website by Five Creative
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram Linkedin

What's on?

How to identify a neuroendocrine cancer when it’s not part of the typical line up. A RACGP & ACN CPD accredited course.

Share this course with your healthcare professional so they can enrol in this free online course and learn more about how to diagnose and treat NETs in general practice.

Learn More