Linda has spent her life deeply rooted in her family and community. A dedicated program manager for a youth service in Melbourne for over 20 years, she’s also a proud grandmother of seven. “I have seven amazing grandchildren, and I’m happily married,” she shares. Spending time with her grandchildren and loved ones is her greatest joy. “Family is at the centre of my world, and I love spending time with the grandkids,” Linda says.
However, her life took an unexpected turn during a routine medical check-up.
“I underwent some testing for a different matter,” Linda recalls. It was during these tests that her doctors discovered a tumour in her stomach. The diagnosis was unexpected and overwhelming, prompting her medical team to refer her to a surgeon at Western Health.
Facing a life-altering decision
The surgeon conducted additional tests to locate and assess the tumour. Linda soon found herself facing a significant decision regarding her treatment. “Part of the consultation was around the type of surgery that I would have, and what the steps and process of that surgery would look like,” she explains.
The procedure, as initially described, seemed daunting. “It was such a big surgery. I actually looked at my husband and thought, ‘I don't know if I want to go through this,’” Linda admits. That’s when her surgeon introduced the option of robotic surgery, a minimally invasive technique with significant benefits.
“It was identified that the recovery time could be quicker, and that it’s robotic, so the wounds wouldn’t be as big,” Linda says. While the choice wasn’t easy, her desire to recover quickly and return to her family made the decision clear. “So, I chose to go with that option.”
The transformative benefits of robotic surgery
Robotic surgery is a groundbreaking technique that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, vision, and dexterity. According to Dr. Fiona Reid, a Colorectal and General Surgeon at Western Health, the technology is transformative.
“It’s really a revolution in our ability to perform the operation to our best ability and in the safest way possible,” Dr. Reid explains. “What that means for our patients is that we’re able to get them recovered more quickly after an operation, with less postoperative pain.”
Having worked at Western Health since 2008, Dr. Reid has witnessed firsthand how robotic surgery has advanced patient care.
"The reason anyone becomes a doctor is so that you can help people and get them the best results possible. What’s wonderful is that the surgical robot helps me remove the cancer as quickly and painlessly as possible for our patients."
— Dr Fiona Reid, Colorectal and General Surgeon, Western Health
Linda’s remarkable recovery
Though initially expected to last six hours, the surgery took just over two hours. “I had no blood transfusions, I had no drainage, and I was back into the normal ward within probably an hour after recovery,” Linda recalls.
By the next morning, she was showering and walking around. “I actually came home that day, so I didn’t have to stay multiple days,” she says, amazed by her quick recovery.
For Linda, the minimally invasive nature of the robotic surgery made all the difference. “I’m getting on in age, so your skin doesn’t bounce back as well as it used to. I didn’t want to have all these big cuts everywhere if I didn’t have to. So, it’s great to not have that.”
Back to what matters most
The rapid recovery allowed Linda to return to the life she loves, especially spending time with her grandchildren. “The thing I was most excited to get back to after the surgery was to be able to hold my grandchildren,” she says.
Linda’s future is full of joy and anticipation. “I’m looking forward to renovating my home, being able to travel with my sister, and spending time with family and friends,” she says. With the holidays approaching, she was especially grateful to participate in her family’s annual Christmas tradition – a “tree raising ceremony” filled with decorations, a big lunch, and shared memories.
"I’m really looking forward to Christmas and being well enough to enjoy Christmas. The quick recovery has actually enabled that to happen."
— Linda, Patient
This holiday season, help us bring robotic surgery to every patient in need.
“Your support does make a difference. It means a quicker recovery. It means you can, like me, get back to the things you really enjoy doing,” Linda adds.