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"I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which was a hell of a shock. Speaking to someone who had already had a lung transplant [at TPCH], they told me you have to try and get in and see Dr Peter Hopkins and I can`t tell you how much that changed things, he is absolutely exceptional. Since I have been under him, it`s given me a lot more hope. The tests came back and it is idiopathic so even though I was in the construction industry and it may have been caused by asbestos; turns out it wasn`t. As I`ve got older, and I look back it puts life into perspective and the things that were important to me when I was younger are not as important now. When you are younger your currency is money, but as you get older, your currency becomes time."

💭 Monday Mantra, Mike, TPCH Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient ...

If you`ve noticed any unusual spots on your skin lately, you may need to ask your doctor; is this a mole or is this a melanoma? ☀️

Clinical Lead for Dermatology at the RBWH Dr Nerilee says that any spots that are changing, bleeding, itching or not healing properly may require extra checks.

"In Australia we have the highest rate of melanoma in the world, so sun protection is vital and will reduce your chances of getting skin cancers, in particular melanoma, however genetics also play a part so getting regular checks is also part of minimising your risk," Dr Nerilee says.

"Whilst melanomas more commonly happen in sun exposed sites, they can still occur in areas that never see the sun, so it is always worth getting things checked out and a great place to start is your GP.

"I encourage people to just get checked if you are worried about something, anything that doesn`t fit in with the rest of your moles. Don`t feel silly about it and don`t be afraid to ask questions and be proactive with your skin checks if your GP isn`t offering them." ...

Student Midwife Sarah owned a restaurant for 20 years before making the career switch into midwifery, with the birth of her own children at Caboolture Hospital sparking the career change of her dreams. 🤰🤱

"As a student, we have to complete ten continuity of care experiences where we follow a woman through their entire pregnancy experience. Having a student gives you that constant person that you may not get from appointment to appointment, who knows your wishes and any plans you have put in place for your birth," Sarah explains.

"Supporting women though labour is so special and there are always little things you can do to help, like talking your patient through the process and helping them with their breathing.

"Recently I was in a birth, the baby`s head was crowning, and I just had a moment of reflection and a sense of overwhelming emotion. It is so beautiful and that is exactly why I do it."

#ShoutoutSaturday to Sarah and all of our student midwives across Metro North. Have you had an outstanding experience with a student midwife? Give them a shoutout in the comments below! ...

A cancer diagnosis can be difficult and overwhelming for many and a lot of the time, future fertility is not front of mind. 🩷

RBWH is home to the statewide Fertility Preservation Service which supports young people aged 14 to 36 years of age, who have received a cancer diagnosis that may impact their fertility.

Clinical Lead for the service and Reproductive Endocrinologist Associate Professor Dev, and Acting Nurse Navigator Dani, provide patients with specialist fertility advice and work with each person to tailor care to their individual circumstances.

"Fertility is a big issue in the current climate and we know that total fertility rates are declining, so for people who have a diagnosis that can potentially impact that, we think it`s really important for them to have choice and to have that discussion," Assoc. Prof Dev says.

"Being diagnosed with cancer can be an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time for patients and fertility may be something they`re suddenly have to think about alongside everything else. I feel very privileged to support patients through this part of their journey," Dani adds.

"It is definitely a work in progress and a growing service but we looking to further improve patient access to fertility preservation down the track." ...