On this episode of The Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast, Shane sits down with Lynda to share a powerful and deeply personal cancer journey.

After self-diagnosing for four years and pushing through the warning signs, Lynda was eventually told she had an 8.5cm tumour. What followed was major surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of her pelvis, a life-altering operation that changed her forever.

But this isn’t a story about fear.

It’s a story about faith.
About attitude.
About asking questions.
And about the power of support.

From learning to walk again, to managing pain, to embracing services at Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre, Lynda shares how community care, meditation, acupuncture, natural therapies and a fierce determination helped her rebuild her life.

She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional toll, the importance of advocating for yourself, and why staying positive isn’t naïve, it’s powerful.

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this conversation is real, raw and incredibly inspiring.

Listen now and be reminded: you are not alone, and there is support available.

• (00:00:15) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:01:22) - Talking To Him With Cancer
• (00:05:08) - What did you do after being told you have cancer?
• (00:07:32) - The surgery for bowel cancer
• (00:09:26) - How has the cancer surgery changed your life?
• (00:14:44) - A single doctor's help after an operation
• (00:16:39) - Hope Horizon for cancer patients
• (00:20:58) - A Week in the Life with acupuncture
• (00:24:54) - Cancer treatment and allied health services
• (00:32:52) - One woman's battle with cancer on Talking Toowoomba

Welcome to another episode of Talkin' Toowoomba.

This week the tables are turned as Rachael Carter from Hope Horizons Wellness Centre steps into the host’s chair and puts Shane in the hot seat.

In a raw and honest conversation, Shane shares his personal prostate cancer journey — from diagnosis and surgery to facing radiation treatment — and opens up about the mental battle that comes with it. He speaks candidly about the power of community, the importance of not going it alone, and the life-changing support available right here in Toowoomba.

We also unpack the real impact of Hope Horizons’ allied health services, why local business support matters, and how the community can get involved — including the 10-year celebrations and the Sapphire Soirée.

It’s real, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a reminder that even when you get knocked down, you can get back up — especially with the right people beside you.

Listen now. Share it. And if you’re able, support a cause that’s making a genuine difference in our region.

 Welcome to Talkin’ Toowoomba, the podcast, sharing real stories that matter. We are proud to partner with Hope Horizons shining a light on the journeys of locals impacted by cancer and the incredible people who walk beside them every step of the way. Today's episode is brought to you by Men's Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba, helping men across our region take charge of their health and wellbeing, whether it's recovery after prostate surgery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, or building strength and confidence again.

Their experience team is there to support you every step of the way. A quick note before we dive in. The content of Talkin’ Toowoomba podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It shouldn't be taken as professional, medical, financial, or legal advice and must not be relied upon.

As such, please seek independent, qualified advice relevant to your own circumstances. Before making any decisions. Now let's get into today's conversation. Good day and welcome to another episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast. Can you believe it's already 2026? Another year has rolled around, and with it comes a chance to hit reset, look forward, and really focus on the stories that matter.

The ones that connect us as a community. This episode is one of those stories. Today we're going to spend some time reflecting on something that touches so many lives, cancer, care, and support here in Toowoomba. Now, I know cancer is a heavy topic. It is something that affects a huge number of people in some way, whether personally through a loved one or even just in your wider community.

But it's also a story of hope. It's a story of resilience, and most importantly, it's a story of community. Of people coming together to make a difference when it really counts. When I think about cancer care in Toowoomba, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible work happening at the Icon Cancer Center.

They play a critical role in supporting people through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, providing care that is both clinically advanced and deeply human. As we move through 2026, this podcast will be taking a closer look at the work being done at the Icon Cancer Center with future episodes, focusing specifically on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer.

These are some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in our community, and taking the time to understand how they're treated, managed, and supported locally is an important part of these conversations. It's not just about the treatment themselves, it's about the pathways, the support, the experience people have while navigating care here in Toowoomba.

Of course, treatment is only one part of the journey. There's another side, the emotional, mental, and practical support people need just to keep going, and that's where Hope Horizon comes in. Hope Horizons is our local cancer wellness center, and it's more than just a building. It's a community. It's a safe place.

It's somewhere people can breathe, feel, understood, and regain a sense of control. They support people across all cancer types and that holistic support comes even more important as we explore prostate breast and skin cancer in future episodes.

I often think about the small everyday victories that come out of places like Hope Horizons, a weekly group session that creates connection, a counselling session that brings clarity, a simple conversation that reminds someone they matter. These moments seem small but repeated day after day. They change lives.

Cancer isn't just a medical condition; it's a life experience. Some people are diagnosed suddenly; others face a long ongoing journey. Some lean on family and friends. Others find strength and community support. But across all these experiences. The constant is the need for support, understanding, and hope.

Today's episode of Talking Toowoomba is brought to you by Men's He...

• (00:00:17) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:01:29) - A story of cancer care in Toowoomba
• (00:05:52) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:09:35) - Talking To Woomba