By Cassie Blackeby
October 8, 2025
At just 27, emergency nurse Phoebe Sceresini discovered a lump in her breast that would change her life forever. What should have been a time of wedding planning and excitement quickly became a fight for her life.
“I remember saying to my husband that night, this doesn’t belong here. My body was trying to tell me something,” she recalls.
The next morning, her GP sent her for scans. By chance, the results came on the morning of her hens party. On what was meant to be a joyful day, Phoebe received devastating news—stage two hormone-positive breast cancer.
Instead of crumbling, Phoebe went into what she calls “go mode.” “I didn’t feel doom. I just had this really good feeling—I knew it wasn’t going to kill me.”
Treatment and Determination
Within weeks, Phoebe underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by six months of chemotherapy. She lost her hair, her eyelashes, and entered early menopause — yet she never lost her determination.
Throughout treatment, Phoebe and her partner Peter, her high school sweetheart of 14 years, faced the challenges together. Before treatment began, they planned their wedding in just nine days and celebrated surrounded by loved ones. “It was the best day ever.”
They also turned to a fertility specialist, determined to preserve their dream of becoming parents. “Before chemo, we created embryos. It was one of the most important steps we ever took.”
Earlier this year, Phoebe and Peter welcomed their son Eddie. “He is the biggest blessing of our lives. We still can’t believe how lucky we are after everything my body has been through.”
Finding Strength at COUCH
Phoebe credits COUCH Cancer Hub with helping her navigate the physical and emotional challenges of cancer. Recommended by her breast care nurse, COUCH offered a safe, holistic space. “I didn’t need to pretend I was okay — I could walk in and just be me. It gave me a real sense of belonging.”
During recovery, Phoebe embraced COUCH’s services, from cooking classes and Look Good Feel Better workshops to yoga and acupuncture. “Those sessions often got me through the darkest days. COUCH helped my body and mind heal. It brought a whole new side of treatment I hadn’t expected, and it made such a difference.”
Looking Forward with Courage
Now 31, Phoebe focuses on gratitude and living fully. “Cancer at 27 taught me to start really living. Stay in your own lane. Lean on loved ones. Find places like COUCH — they can really be your people. We don’t get a rerun of this life. So live it.”
Stories like Phoebe’s are only possible because of the care COUCH provides. By becoming a Champion of COUCH, you can help more Far North locals receive the same care and hope. To find out more, head to https://couch.org.au/charity/champions-of-couch-1.