Acknowledging Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, we are sharing the story of Tracey Reardon.
In the beginning, Tracey brushed off her symptoms of fatigue and pain, but as they became harder to ignore, she pushed for further testing with her GP. After scans and biopsies, Tracey received the challenging news that she had stage 4 cervical cancer.
“Hearing those words was overwhelming, scary, and surreal all at once, like time stopped,” says Tracey.
After the initial shock, Tracey was able to shift her mindset to focus on fighting, adapting, and accepting the things she couldn’t control. Her medical team explained that the goal wasn’t just to treat her cancer but also to slow its spread and improve her quality of life.
Tracey commenced chemotherapy infusions every three weeks, which she describes as the hardest part of her treatment. “The side effects were brutal at times: intense fatigue, nausea, numbness in my hands and feet (neuropathy), hair loss, and a general feeling that my body wasn’t mine anymore.”
Following chemotherapy, she began immunotherapy — a treatment designed to help her immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. While less physically draining, it came with its own challenges, including joint pain, skin issues, and the constant need for blood tests to monitor her liver, kidney, and thyroid function.
Through it all, Tracey’s experience at Mercy Health has been one of both challenges and unexpected support. “From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was in a place where people genuinely cared not just about treating my cancer, but about me as a whole person. The nurses and medical team are incredible. They balance professionalism with warmth and humour, which made the long, tough days of chemotherapy feel a little lighter. Their encouragement and kindness gave me strength.”
What stood out most to Tracey was the community created within Mercy Hospital for Women. “Whether it was the shared smiles with other patients, the quiet moments, or the small gestures from staff that made me feel seen and heard, Mercy became more than just a hospital — it became part of my support system. Knowing I wasn’t alone, and that there was a whole team behind me, rooting for me, made a huge difference.”
“Mercy taught me a lot about resilience, compassion, and hope. It’s not just a place for treatment; it’s a place where healing happens in many forms.”
For Tracey, her cancer journey is ongoing, and she continues to take it one day and one appointment at a time. Her advice to others about to begin treatment is simple but powerful: “Be gentle with yourself. Small routines — light physical activities, mindful breathing, or simply resting when needed — can make a big difference.”
