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

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte, one of the dedicated volunteers at the Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre in Toowoomba. Charlotte shares her journey into volunteering, what a typical day looks like on the front desk, and why connection, care and simple human conversation matter so much to people navigating cancer.

We talk about the unique role Hope Horizons plays alongside medical treatment, the culture of support across volunteers and practitioners, and the moments that quietly remind you why community-based care is so powerful. Charlotte also shares how locals can support the centre through volunteering, attending events or donating, and why Hope Horizons continues to grow as a place of hope, care and friendship.

TO DONATE CLICK ON THE LINK

https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate

TO CONTACT US

shane@betteryourbusiness.com.au

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, I sit down with Corey Pendlebury from Men’s Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba to explore the often-overlooked challenges men face during and after prostate cancer treatment. Corey breaks down the vital role physiotherapy plays before and after surgery or radiation, helping men manage bladder control, pelvic floor function, sexual recovery, and overall wellbeing.

We also discuss why early preparation matters, how telehealth is helping regional blokes access specialised care, and the importance of a strong support network, from urologists and specialist nurses through to allied health professionals. Corey offers practical, evidence-based guidance on pelvic floor exercises, recovery timelines, and the emotional and social impacts that come with prostate cancer.

This episode shines a light on holistic care, informed decision-making, and the importance of having real conversations about men’s health.

Brought to you by Men’s Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba, proudly supporting men across our region with expert pelvic health and post-treatment rehabilitation.

Remenber 70% of all podcast donations go directly to Hope Horizons to support local families living with cancer. You’ll find the donation link below.

TO DONATE CLICK ON THE LINK

https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate

VISIT WEBSITE CLICK ON

https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/

• (00:00:00) - Talkin' Toowoomba
• (00:01:26) - Physio in Toowoomba
• (00:03:28) - Prostate Cancer Physiotherapy
• (00:06:36) - Prostate cancer sexual function recovery after surgery
• (00:08:18) - Prostate Cancer, pelvic floor exercises
• (00:13:42) - Q&A: Prostate Cancer Advice
• (00:15:51) - Prostate Cancer Chat
• (00:16:39) - Prostate Cancer Physiotherapy

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, Shane chats with Rachel Garvin, one of the dedicated service providers at Hope Horizons. Rachel is an experienced remedial and oncology massage therapist who also specialises in scar therapy — a powerful, gentle approach that helps people heal physically and emotionally after cancer treatment and surgery.

Rachel explains how oncology massage works with the nervous system to calm the body during recovery, and how scar therapy goes beyond the surface to restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild confidence. She also shares powerful client story that show the real impact of this work — including one that might surprise you.

If you or someone you know is living with the effects of surgery or cancer treatment, this conversation is well worth a listen. Learn how Hope Horizons continues to support Toowoomba locals on their recovery journeys, with compassion, care, and community at its heart.

In this short bonus episode, Shane from Talkin’ Toowoomba drops in ahead of his upcoming chat with Rachel Garvin, an oncology massage therapist making a real difference in the lives of locals recovering from cancer and surgery.

Shane also shares how you can get involved this Movember, support men’s health, and help Toowoomba families through Hope Horizons — with 70% of all podcast sponsorships and donations going directly to their important work.

If you’re a local business wanting to be featured or simply want to back local stories that matter, this episode’s for you.

https://au.movember.com/about/foundation

Visithttps://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/ to learn more and get involved. or contact us shane@betteryourbusiness.com.au

To Donate - https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate

"In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, we chat with Rachael Carter, General Manager of Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre. With over 20 years as a nurse, Rachael brings skill, compassion, and a deep passion for supporting people on a cancer journey. This episode is part of our Hope Horizons series, spotlighting locals impacted by cancer and the dedicated people who walk beside them. Proudly supported by Better Your Business Consulting — helping Toowoomba businesses grow with clarity and purpose."

• (00:00:00) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:00:56) - Meet Rachel Carter, General Manager at Hope Horizons
• (00:02:25) - The nursing background of Hope Horizons's CEO
• (00:04:06) - Where does Hope Horizons fit into cancer care?
• (00:07:34) - Services offered to people with cancer
• (00:10:40) - The difference that scar therapy makes
• (00:13:50) - What's the toughest challenge for a regional cancer wellness center?
• (00:16:00) - How to Raise Funds for Hope Horizons
• (00:18:23) - The wellness centre at Hope Horizons
• (00:21:31) - Talking Toowoomba