Link To Us Counselling Services on the Central Coast: Supporting You Through Cancer and Recovery
Being diagnosed with cancer changes everything — your plans, your body, your identity, and how you see the world. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or completely alone.
I’m Lorena Fernandez Collazo, a mother of two, breast cancer survivor, and trauma-informed counsellor on the Central Coast and the founder of Link To Us. I support individuals navigating many life challenges, including the emotional roller coasters of cancer, treatments, and long-term recovery. I know firsthand that a cancer diagnosis isn’t always the end — sometimes can be the beginning of a different kind of journey.
Understanding the Signs You Didn’t Expect
Before my diagnosis, like millions of women around the globe, I struggled with heavy periods, dense breasts, polys, cysts, pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uncomfortable, physical limitations, mood swings, emotionally drained. Treatments to address this symptoms brought new challenges — intense breast tenderness, weight changes and pain that made daily life exhausting and almost unbearable.
Then I found a lump in my left breast. Mammograms and ultrasounds showed swollen lymph nodes, initially attributed to post-COVID changes. A year later, another scan revealed a shadow. A biopsy confirmed that I had breast cancer.
Like many parents, I pushed on — managing pain, juggling life, and keeping my children happy. As a single mum with no family support around, I did’t have a choice. Cancer wasn’t part of my day-to-day… until it was.
Treatment and Being “The Lucky One”
Fortunately, my cancer was caught early. I underwent surgery, radiation, and now long-term therapy, including chemically induced menopause and hormonal therapy. I am grateful to be alive — to be “the lucky one.”
But being lucky doesn’t mean it’s easy. Fatigue, nerve pain, burned out, muscle weakness, lymphoedema, inflammation, body changes, and soreness are constant companions.
Cancer doesn’t just affect your body — it affects your identity, your confidence, your relationships, and your sense of safety. It shakes the foundation beneath your feet and makes life feel suddenly fragile and uncertain.
There were days I felt completely alone. I didn’t want to burden friends or explain why my emotions were unpredictable. I didn’t want to hear “stay positive” or “be grateful.” Some days, I just needed someone who truly understood — without needing any words.
There were days I wanted to curl up in bed and never get up. Days when I felt too tired, too overwhelmed, too scared to keep going. But giving up — on life, on my children, on myself — wasn’t an option.
We survive because those who love us need us.
We continue because something inside us refuses to give in.
We fight — even on the days when fighting feels impossible.
And still… even strength needs support.
How Counselling Can Help
Going through cancer is incredibly difficult — physically, emotionally, and mentally, but here on the Central Coast we are lucky that there is support available through the amazing oncology team at Gosford Hospital, Cancer Australia, and local services such as the Cancer Care Unit at Gosford Hospital. If you are currently receiving treatment, please speak with the hospital staff about available support options.
Alongside medical care, counselling and family and friend support becomes a crucial part of the recovery.
My own experience inspired me to share my story and offer professional counselling for cancer patients and survivors on the Central Coast — and globally through online therapy. I support people through the emotional impact of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship from both lived experience and specialised therapeutic training.
When you work with me, you receive:
A safe, confidential space to express feelings you may be afraid to share with others — fear, grief, anger, trauma, and uncertainty
Support throughout treatment and beyond, not only during the crisis moments
Guidance through identity shifts, changes in body image, and relationship challenges
Tools and strategies to manage anxiety, fatigue, pain, hormonal changes, treatment-induced menopause, and emotional overwhelm
Genuine understanding and empathy from someone who has walked this road and continues to navigate it
You don’t have to go through this alone. You don’t have to minimise your experience. You don’t have to stay strong for everyone else.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, or post-treatment, you deserve support. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say:
“I need support too.”
At Link To Us Counselling, we provide trauma-informed, holistic, and compassionate counselling on the Central Coast— in-person or online — for cancer patients and survivors.
Healing isn’t linear. Some days you rise. Some days you rest. Both are part of survival.
There is courage in asking for help. There is strength in leaning on others.
That’s why support matters — not just during treatment, but before and long after.
We offer services on the Central Coast, NSW & Online Counselling
BUPA & NDIS Registered Provider (for eligible clients)
Trauma-informed emotional support tailored to your journey.
Cancer Support Contacts & Resources (Australia)
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, there are free and confidential support services available:
Cancer Council — 13 11 20
Phone: 13 11 20
Website: https://www.cancer.org.au
A free information and emotional support line for anyone affected by cancer. They can help with:
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Understanding your diagnosis and treatment
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Practical support during treatment
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Financial and legal advice services
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Support groups and counselling referrals
Cancer Australia
Website: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au
Government information hub for:
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Evidence-based cancer treatment information
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Screening programs
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Support resources for patients and families
(Note: Cancer Australia does not operate a helpline but connects people to services and information.)
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Helpline: 1800 500 258
Website: https://www.bcna.org.au
Support specifically for breast cancer including:
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Counselling and peer support
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My Journey™ online support program
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Practical and emotional resources for treatment and survivorship
Lymphoedema Support (Post-cancer)
Australian Lymphology Association
Find accredited lymphoedema therapists: https://www.lymphoedema.org.au
Useful for anyone experiencing swelling and lymph node changes after cancer treatment.
Gosford Hospital Cancer Services (Local Central Coast Support)
If you are currently receiving treatment, there’s people and services that can assist you with immediate emotional support and referrals, speak to:
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Your GP & oncology team
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A cancer care coordinator or McGrath Nurse (They are fantastic!)
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Social workers, psychologists or counsellors on site
