---breast cancer A to O (by author)---
Breast cancer
R15
Bambery, Jan. 2002. Dear diary. Next, November, 91 - 94.
Jan (55): breast cancer 2001.
These extracts from Jan's diary reveal her feelings and experiences of becoming a cancer patient. Navigating a medical world, living with the uncertainty of having an illness with no cure and learning to be more open about her needs. She shares her frustrations of waiting for test results and travelling to and from treatment centres. Jan felt her healing was aided by support she received from a breast cancer support visitor, family, friends and the people at the Lions cancer lodge.
Treated by partial mastectomy in both breasts, 12 lymph nodes removed, Tamoxifen, physiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation.
R16
Barbara. n.d. Barbara's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from: <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/barbarastory.htm>.
Barbara (50): breast cancer 1996, later abnormal liver functions, cancerous lumps in her lymph nodes above her collarbone and calcium filled her blood stream and Barbara died in 2004 (postscript notes).
As a former teacher, Barbara explains the role reversal in becoming a cancer patient. She credits a patient oncologist (who convinced her to receive treatments) and the full acceptance of having cancer as enabling her to get on with life. Believing retirement bought with it new experiences and insights.
Barbara was treated initially for breast cancer by: lumpectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation and two months rest. Following the second diagnosis Barbara completed six different treatments over three years: three chemotherapy, two hormonal and one monoclonal antibody. Reactions to treatments resulted in complete hair loss and numbness in toes and fingers.
Description: 5 paragraphs.
R17
Bissell, Jane. 2004. Welcome to the Amazon club: A remarkable journal of hope. Dunedin: Longacre Press.
Jane (adult): breast cancer (grade two) in 2001.
Originally from the United States Jane has lived in New Zealand since 1963. Her diary reveals her first year of experiences with breast cancer. She charts her physical and emotional responses to cancer while trying to understand what was happening to herself. Subjects cover the events surrounding her diagnosis including: misdiagnoses, a core biopsy, sentinel node biopsy and being fitted for a wig. Her support involved counselling, support groups, friends and family, the Look-good-feel-better programme, her pet cat, a view of the sea and the CanSurvive sessions. Post treatment, Jane experienced severe depression; she redirected her career towards writing, had a holiday in the United States and reassessed the priorities in her life.
Treated by mastectomy, chemotherapy: Adriamycin (also called: Doxorubicin, Rubex, Doxil, Hydroxydaunomycin, Hydroxydoxorubicin and Liposomal Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide (also called: Procytox, Cytoxan and Neosar), lymph node removal, drains and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex). The effects from the treatments included sickness, loss of hair, menopause, fatigue and irritable behaviour.
Description: 200 pages/ 21 cm/ 1877135933.
R18
Bolwell, Jan. 2000. The pink nude. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited by M
Clark, 11 - 21. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Jan (49): breast cancer in both breasts.
She contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Jan's story explains her experiences of having her first mastectomy in a Seattle hospital, second mastectomy in Wellington Public Hospital and biopsies in an Auckland hospital. She compares and comments on the different surroundings, including the surgeon's manners, the Wellington outpatient clinic environment, hospital gowns and being given a haemovac. Her story is also of rehabilitation, coming to terms with losing a second breast, reclaiming her sensuality and the value of support during this time. Previously a dancer she ends the story by narrating her solo dance performance "Off My Chest" performed three months after her second mastectomy.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R19
Breast cancer - your stories. 2005. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 June, 28.
Jo (44): HER2 positive breast cancer in 2002 and second breast tumour, growing inside the organically reconstructed breast 2004.
Amanda explains how her sister, Jo, was denied the Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) trial and is not considered urgent enough to be administered Herceptin as palliative chemotherapy, for free. Amanda questions the ethics of research, highlighting the methods of participant selection and the use of statistical deaths as unethical.
Jo was initially treated by mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction, in 2004 treated by bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.
Description: 1 paragraph.
R20
Breast cancer - your stories. 2005. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 June, 28.
Bronwyn (38): HER2 positive breast cancer.
Bronwyn was accepted on the Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) trial. She interprets the Government's position to not fund Herceptin as putting a price on women's lives. Bronwyn encourages other women to research breast cancer and is thankful for the support from her oncologist, family and friends.
R21
Burton. 2005. Burton. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 10 - 11. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's husband, Burton, reflects on the strangeness of the breast cancer world; the life changing moment of the diagnosis; the acts of love and support. He comments on the changes cancer has made to his life including the arrival of a pink silicon breast, books on breast cancer and his less positive view of the world. Burton felt privileged to be accepted as part of the breast cancer community. Narrating his thoughts about open communication, people pointedly asking how he is, his role in supporting Melissa and Melissa's current difficulty in dealing with chemotherapy. Burton admits to having a challenging attitude towards the specialists and learning to trust in their analysis.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R22
Carden, Cate. 2005. Determined to win: the diary of my breast cancer. Auckland: Polygraphia.
Cate (29): breast cancer in 2002, a brain tumour and secondary breast cancer in 2004, second brain tumour 2005 and prognosis terminal.
Cate shares her diary of cancer related experiences. As a mother of two babies, a wife and a person she wanted to keep things normal for her family and challenge herself whenever possible. While receiving treatments she organised children's birthday parties, persisted with sleepless children, cared for sick children, nearly lost her mother from a brain abscess, returned to the workforce as the head of physical education at Dominic College and entered in every Special K women's triathlon in New Zealand. Cate describes the importance of support from her family, her moments of depression, her feelings about losing a breast, using a prosthesis, losing her hair, accepting death and plans for how her husband and children will be supported when she dies. Choosing a positive spirit to combat cancer she sets goals for the following years and inspires others to never give in even when they are considered terminal.
Cate was treated by pre operative chemotherapy, radical mastectomy and axilla dissection, removal of 17 lymph glands, 25 sessions of radiation therapy, four cycles of chemotherapy at Auckland Greenlane Hospital, surgical removal of brain tumour in the left parietal lobe at Ascot Hospital, further radiation and then further brain surgery in 2005. Cate now pays $7,300 per month for a chemotherapy drug for brain tumours to extend her life.
Description: 75-pages/ ill/ 21 cm/ 1877332291.
R23
Carden, Cate, Rachael Harris, and Sian Coppard. 2004. Plain talking. Next, November, 246 - 247.
Cate (adult): breast cancer in 2002, followed by secondary breast cancer and a brain tumour; Sian (31): breast cancer and non-related lung cancer; Rachel had a benign lump removed.
This is a transcribed conversation between Cate, Sian and Rachel about having breast cancer at a young age. Their conversation provides insight into their frustrations at trying to get the medical profession to take more interest in their concerns and their worry at how blase some doctors are when it comes to young women. Cate was initially diagnosed with a pinched nerve (later diagnosed as a brain tumour) and Sian was told the lump in her breast was a cyst and would have to wait two months for a mammogram. Rachel reports being told she was too young for a mammogram and was questioned over her decision to have a benign lump removed from her breast.
Cate has been diagnosed as a terminal cancer patient; chemotherapy drugs are currently controlling her cancer. Sian was treated by removal of half her lung, chemotherapy, mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
R24
Carter, Maree. 2005. Power of love. Next, November, 157 - 160.
Maree (29): breast cancer in 2003.
Maree remembers feeling a lump the size of a pea and being told by a doctor to keep an eye on it. Maree visited a specialist after it grew to the size of a plum. Even after a mammogram, needle biopsy and ultrasound she was still told it was not cancer. She was referred to a plastic surgeon to remove the lump. It took five months for Maree to be given the correct diagnosis. Accepting the reality of her poor prognosis Maree provides insight into the value of her support network of friends and family. She shares her heart ache at not being able to see her daughter, Hannah, grow up, provides insight into how Hannah had adjusted to having a sick mother and the impact cancer has had on her husband. She describes what her perfect day would be.
Maree was treated by mastectomy, 26 lymph nodes removed, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy and four lots of radiation treatment.
R25
Catherine. 2005. Catherine and Nicky. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 8. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's friend, Nicky, describes being on the sideline of the main event, her helplessness and confusion, questioning her own health and guilt at her the joy of her own fitness. She comments on the assumptions she made about Melissa having cancer, based on a previous friend dying from cancer.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R26
Cathy. 2005. Cathy. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 15. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's friend, Cathy, describes reaffirming their relationship after 30 years, the shock at Melissa having breast cancer and wishing it had been her because she did not have any children. She describes the difficulty in wanting to help but not wanting to intrude. Cathy documented Melissa's final chemotherapy. She witnessed the painful insertion of the catheter to deliver the drugs, describes shock at the number of people receiving treatments and was there when Melissa's emotions temporarily crashed. Cathy felt honoured to have been allowed into Melissa's intensively personal space.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R27
Childs, Cyril Walter. 2000. Beyond the paper lanterns: A journey with cancer. Lower Hutt: Paper Lantern Press.
Vivienne (44): breast cancer in 1988, metastatic breast cancer between her lung and ribs 1992, new primary cancer in right breast 1996, a metastatic cancer capping her lung 1997 and pleurodesis. Vivienne died in 1997 from pneumonia.
Vivienne's husband, Cyril, has written this book of Haibun and Haiku to illustrate the impact cancer had on their lives. The poetry and prose interweaves cancer treatments, personal thoughts and Vivienne's death with specific details of life in Japan and New Zealand, the natural environment, their children's achievements, times with friends, and on holiday in South Africa.
Vivienne received a lumpectomy, radiation, hormones, antibiotics, surgery and chemotherapy.
Description: 35-pages/ illustrations/ 22 cm/ 0473065401.
R28
Clark, Margaret. 2000. Life is for living. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited by
M. Clark, 22 - 28. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Margaret (57): breast cancer in 1998.
Margaret contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. She provides helpful insight for others getting a needle biopsy, testing procedures, radiation treatment, travelling to treatments and early detection. Margaret worked as a lecturer at Victoria University throughout her treatments.
Treated in Wellington hospital by lumpectomy, lymph nodes removal and 33 days of radiation.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R29
Course, Sharon. 2003. Breast cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence -we're living proof! New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 31
March, 22 - 25.
Temutisa (49): breast cancer in 1999.
Temutisa was devastated she could feel so well and be diagnosed with cancer. She is thankful for the support of her family and recounts with humour the potentially embarrassing situations she experienced with her wig in public. She shows concern for other Maori or Pacific Island women who are to shy to get their breasts checked.
Treated with mastectomy, six sessions chemotherapy and 15 weeks of radiation.
R30
Course, Sharon. 2003. Breast cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence -we're living proof! New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 31 March, 22 - 25.
Anne (56): breast cancer in 1989 and long-term cancer survivor.
She remembers 14 years ago finding the lump. She reflects on the contradiction of being so sick but feeling very well and reports on the complementary therapies she used to enhance her immune system.
Anne was treated by mastectomy followed by a breast reconstruction (stomach tissue). Anne chose not to have chemotherapy and radiation but opted for naturopathy to enhance her immune system incorporating: antioxidants, supplements, special diet, positive thinking, regular checks and setting goals.
R31
Course, Sharon. 2003. Breast cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence -we're living proof! New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 31 March, 22 - 25.
Nicola (46): breast cancer in 2000 and second tumour in her other breast 2001.
At the diagnosis she remembers her devastation, disorientation and confusion because she felt so well while having breast cancer. Nicola chose initially against having a reconstruction because of her fear of hospitals but shares that since changing her mind and having the reconstruction she can still wear the same clothes.
Nicola was treated by double mastectomy, breast reconstruction from tissue in her back and small implant.
R32
Course, Sharon. 2003. Breast cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence -we're living proof! New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 31 March, 22 - 25.
Sian (31): breast cancer and unrelated lung cancer.
Sian credits being diagnosed with breast cancer as saving her life from an unrelated lung cancer. Her story stresses that young women can get breast cancer too.
Treated by mastectomy, six sessions of chemotherapy and a reconstruction from the tissue of her stomach. Sian also incorporated complementary treatments, changing her diet to organic foods, supplements, avoiding dairy, alcohol, sugar, beef, pork and caffeine. Sian lost her hair from treatments.
Description: REPEATED ENTRY see also lung cancer.
R33
da Souza-Silver, Melissa. 2005. Alternative action. Next, November, 167 - 168.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa explains why she chose to participate in the Yarra Valley Living Centre programmes. The article also reports on the alternative therapy choices for New Zealanders.
She was treated by surgery, chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Melissa incorporated complementary care at the Yarra Valley Living Centre run by the Gawler Foundation. Their activities included: meditation, learning about topics from positive thinking to food and diet.
R34
David. 2005. David. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 13. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's father, David, describes outrage that anyone in the prime of life should face cancer. He reflects over a parents protective instinct to safe guard their children and remembers the anxiety caused by childhood accidents. He describes the time Melissa phoned about the diagnosis and declares his admiration for all his daughters. He finds distress in Melissa now facing menopause and that he may have passed on negative genes.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R35
Davies, Coral. 1995. Coral Davies. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H. Ogonowska
Coates, n.p. S.I.: R & J Watson Trust.
Coral (adult): breast cancer.
Coral contributes to this compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. After having a mastectomy Coral quietly accepts the loss of her breast. She reveals how she bottled up her feelings and her difficulties with an expired prothesis.
Description: 1 page/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.
R36
Dee. n.d. Dee's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/deestory.htm>.
Dee (adult): breast cancer in 1995; then in 2003 with a rare terminal extensive metastatic breast cancer within the peritoneal cavity and prognosis terminal.
Dee remembers the first diagnosis and arming herself with information from the library. She credits the support from her family, employer and her medical care as reducing the amount of stress she endured at this time. After her second diagnosis she remembers a succession of symptoms and misdiagnosis. After surgery she was diagnosed with a rare secondary breast cancer. Taking retirement she moved closer to family with her husband, became a student of creative writing, enjoyed handiwork and crafts and spent more time with her grandchildren. She amusingly admits she is very well despite having terminal cancer. She wishes for a miracle or its slow progression but, accepts her uncertain future. She chooses to think positively and for the moment is relishing in her relaxed retirement.
Treated for primary cancer by full mastectomy of the right breast, clinical trial of chemotherapy and Tamoxifen. For secondary cancer she used a combination of orthodox and alternative. The oncologist prescribes Arimidex (also known as: Anastrozole) and she has Phenergan (also known as: Panecty, Histantil, V-Gan, Tacaryl, Shogan, Prothazine, Prorex, Promet, Pro-Med, Promacot, Pro-50, Phenoject, Phenerzine, Phencen, Phenazine, Pentazine, Antinaus, Anergan) three times a day, visits doctor three times a year for check ups and meditates two or three times a week. Dee was fitted with an ileostomy that she describes as a small price to pay.
Description: 7 paragraphs.
R37
Dominic. 2005. Dominic. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 4 - 5. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's son, Dominic, was with his mum when she was diagnosed with cancer. He describes her flippant attitude to her medical history and checkups; his own guilt from neglecting his mum when she needed him most and his mothers reassurance telling her son it was Burton, her husband's, job too look after her. He remembers his mum marrying Burton, feeling Burton completed their family and giving him the protector role. He describes having a one-breasted mother as disconcerting and after Melissa shaving her head (during chemotherapy) as the cancer hitting home for the first time. He credits his mum's coping ability as helping him cope.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R38
Elder, Pam. 2000. An entirely routine test. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 29 - 35. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Pam (51): breast cancer.
She contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Pam reveals her struggle becoming a patient, her feelings of disempowerment, the loss of a sexual organ, feeling mutilated and wanting to hide having one breast. Crediting gardening and completing her honours degree as being therapeutic. She states cancer sharpened the focus of her life and what she would like to do before she dies.
Treated in Wellington Public Hospital by mastectomy, lymph node removal, haemovac, radiation and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex).
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R39
Fleming, Donna. 2003. A matter close to the heart. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 October, 105.
Michelle (46): breast cancer.
Michelle reflects on her decision to have a reconstruction. She admits her new breasts look good but feel numb. She says she is proud of her new breast and is glad she had it done because she can still wear whatever she wants.
She was treated by mastectomy, lymph nodes removed and reconstruction (back muscle), nipple tattooed and needed an implant to balance breasts. Effects of treatments include not being able to temporarily straighten her arm, pain and dent in her back where the muscle was taken for reconstruction.
Description: 3 paragraphs.
R40
Fleming, Donna. 2003. A matter close to the heart. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 October, 105.
Sue (40): breast cancer in 2002.
Sue reflects on her decision to have a breast reconstruction and elaborates on her experience of the operation. Sue reports her stomach felt more painful than her breast. She reveals if she had known what she was in for she may not have opted for the reconstruction but is now grateful for her new breasts. She feels more feminine, has smaller breasts and is still considering the merits of nipple reconstruction. Sue compares the scar that goes from one hip to the other as a smile.
Treated by mastectomy, breast reconstruction (tram flap surgery), required reduction of other breast prior to mastectomy.
Description: 3 paragraphs.
R41
Fleming, Donna. 2003. A matter close to the heart. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 October, 104.
Deborah (35): breast cancer and long-term survivor.
Deborah remembers being induced at 39 weeks pregnant and then a week later having a mastectomy. She reflects on her decision to have a mastectomy without reconstruction. Now she is used to life without her breast and debates that a reconstructed breast would never be a real breast. Deborah reports the prosthesis hides a mastectomy very well but has disadvantages. She remembers when her prosthesis dropped out in a supermarket, the times she forgot to put it on, and its weight being a disadvantage. Her prosthesis lasted eight years, only recently being replaced.
Treated by mastectomy and prosthesis.
Description: 3 paragraphs.
R42
Fleming, Donna. 2005. $60,000 stands between me and cancer treatment. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 25 July, 24 - 25.
Gina (43): inflammatory breast cancer.
Gina, a Plunket nurse, confronts being faced with $60,000 for the non government funded Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) . This article is representative of an increased number of experiences coming into the public forum. It addresses the frustration and desperation at the New Zealand government's position on funding Herceptin only in palliative cancer cases. Gina was originally misdiagnosed because she was considered too young for the rare type of breast cancer. She was only diagnosed after a lump developed and had spread to her lymph nodes. Willing to mortgage or sell her house to invest in her life she questions why it has come to this, having worked for 20 years and paid taxes.
Treated through mastectomy and chemotherapy that is not effective in the long term.
R43
Fleming, Donna. 2004. A healthy motivation. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 4 October, 67.
Lyn (adult): breast cancer.
Her story focuses on her change of attitude about maintaining general health. Lyn became involved in Pilate's, yoga and walking. She bought together a team of 100 people to enter the Run to heal walk.
Description: 3 paragraphs.
R44
Fleming, Donna. 2005. I need $90,000 to save my mum's life. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 7 November, 24 - 25.
Lynette (45): aggressive breast cancer (grade 3).
Lynette's daughter, Rebecca (20), wants to increase awareness of added stress cancer patients are under because they need to raise funds for their own treatments of Taxotere ($15,918) and Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) ($72,967). Rebecca still in shock that her mothers recovery could come down to money set up a trust for donations, took her final year off nursing training to look after her mum and is concentrating on fundraising. She compares this situation as putting a price on her mother's life.
Lynette was treated by mastectomy, 42 lymph nodes removed, chemotherapy, and five courses of radiation.
R45
Foote, Nola. 2001. I survived cancer -twice. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 12 February, 28 - 29.
Nola (49): malignant infiltrating ductile carcinoma in her right breast in 1985 and secondary tumour in 1998.
Nola recollects her breast cancer symptoms resembling a drawstring being pulled around her nipple and describes the second breast cancer feeling like a bubble under her skin. Initially believing it was in her imagination she deferred a visit to the doctor for seven months then had negative core biopsy results. Only after the removal of the lump was she diagnosed. She remembers suffering from insomnia (thinking if she slept she would die) and also colours becoming brighter and more vivid. After all treatments have ceased she has been given the all clear and is relieved to be okay.
Nola had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and ATivan (so she could sleep throughout treatments). These were complemented with freshly squeezed orange juice. Effects of the treatments included getting very sick from intravenous chemotherapy, losing her hair, no bladder or bowel control, a constant metallic taste in her mouth, perpetual runny nose, watery eyes and feeling like having a football stuck under her arm from having lymph nodes removed.
R46
Francesca. 2005. Francesca. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 19. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's daughter, Francesca (11), explains how she does not like to think about her mother's cancer because it makes her confused and worried. She is non concerned with the scar, disliked the wig and does not enjoy her mum's mood swings. She is happy they still enjoy skinny-dipping together.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.
R47
Friedlander, Marti. 2000. Just another challenge. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 36 - 39. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Marti (50): breast cancer in 1984.
Marti contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. She shares a letter written to her husband in New Zealand while recovering from a mastectomy in her birth city London. She provides reassurances to her husband that she is getting good care, not to worry and that her sister is who she needs to help her heal. Marti Friedlander is a well-known New Zealand photographer.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R48
Gailene. 1998. Gailene. In The unremarkable nipple - a journey with breast cancer, edited by S. McLeod, 117 - 119. Palmerston
North: Dunmore Press.
Gailene (49): breast cancer in 1994.
Gailene worked as a Northland cancer liaison nurse right up to her radiotherapy treatment. She describes the experience of missing her holiday and needing to travel from Northland to Auckland for treatments. She mentions the free accommodation for Northland residents and adopting the attitude to really enjoy her time in Auckland by going to plays, movies and shopping. She provides insight into meeting others with the same medical routine and the anxiety involved in waiting for results. She is grateful to the supportive oncology staff and now fully well has changed her perspective on life, learning to deal with issues as they arise and to have less stress.
Treated by lumpectomy, six weeks radiation in Auckland, lymph node dissection, six months of chemotherapy. Complemented by visualisations, herbal treatments and yoga.
Description: 147 pages/ ill/ 21 cm/ 086469332X.
R49
Gailene. 1998. Gailene. In The unremarkable nipple - a journey with breast cancer, edited by S. McLeod, 122 - 124. Palmerston
North: Dunmore Press.
Gailene (47): breast cancer in 1987.
Initially experiencing the misdiagnosis of a lump in Singapore in 1982. She reflects on assuming Singapore would have the best medical professionals in the world; attending the Lifestyle weekend which offered resources for healing body and soul through guidance from counsellors, doctors and teachers; her concern for other Maori women who do not realise what services are available for them. She acknowledges God as a great source of comfort and shares the reactions she received from wearing a turban in public.
She was treated by hysterectomy (endometriosis), lumpectomy, radiation, hormone replacement therapy, full mastectomy, chemotherapy: Adriamycin (also called: Doxorubicin, Rubex, Doxil, Hydroxydaunomycin, Hydroxydoxorubicin and Liposomal Doxorubicin).
Description: 147 pages/ ill/ 21 cm/ 086469332X.
R50
Garrity, Arlene. 2003. Strength from within: A story of breast cancer [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/1970>.
Arlene's mother was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer (grade 4).
Arlene who refers to New Zealand as home, eludes to her mother and father living in Australia. She reflects on the moment her mum found the lump and then herself feeling the lump. She remembers her mum caring for her growing up, coming to terms with taking her mothers love for granted and facing the realisation of what her mother was going through. After returning to New Zealand she reflects on being so far away while her mother was having chemotherapy. Arlene believes that while her mum was sick, had no hair, wore a wig and used a prosthesis she always looked her best; holding on to her womanhood in every way she could. After her mother was given the all clear Arlene admits their lives can never be the same, always having uneasy feeling about cancer returning.
Treated the day after diagnosis by mastectomy, six months chemotherapy and six weeks radiation.
Description: 16 paragraphs.
R51
Gentry Dorothy. 2000. Each day is a gift. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited
by M. Clark, 40 - 44. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Dorothy (45): breast cancer in 1980.
Dorothy contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. She reflects on the fast paced sequence of events from, feeling foolish concern over a thickened skin on her breast, to being diagnosed as malignant and having a mastectomy with lymph nodes removed in Hutt Hospital. She remembers feeling reassurance from a breast cancer support person, the immediate impact on a family holiday and questioning whether her type A personality had caused the cancer. Dorothy remembers her main concern was not being able to buy a prosthesis in her size. She shares the experience of her husband who prevented damage to a American prosthesis by Bolivian armed airport guards.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R52
Grange, Indus. 2000. You are never too old. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 45 - 46. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Indus (71): breast cancer in 1978 and second breast cancer in 1998.
Indus contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Otherwise never needing surgery and a picture of health Indus comments on her first experience at 91 of having a mammogram.
Treated by mastectomy in 1978 at Bowen Hospital and at 91 years choosing to have a wedge taken out of remaining breast at Bowen Hospital.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R53
Gryffudd, Rhian. 2005. Why I'm not scared to show my scars. New Idea, 8 October, 28 - 29.
Chris (53): oestrogen negative tumour in her left breast in 2004.
Because of a strong family history of breast cancer Chris began screening in 1992. Chris reflects on having experienced cancer since she was 13 years old. First her father died from stomach and lung cancer, ten years later her mum died from breast cancer and in 2002 her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and died from ovarian cancer. About her own diagnosis Chris reflects on her decision to have her breasts and ovaries removed. Accepting she chose life over keeping her breasts. She is coming to terms with her scars and now just wants to get on with life.
Chris was treated by having her ovaries removed as a precaution, double mastectomy without reconstruction.
Description: photograph of Chris chest after double mastectomy.
R54
Hodson, Catharine. 2005. Touching the unthinkable: Encounter with breast cancer: An artist's project, 2 - 3. Nelson, NZ: Suter Te
Aratoi o Whakatu.
Catharine (adult): breast cancer in 2002.
This is an exhibition catalogue which documents Catharine's exhibition Touching the unthinkable: Encounter with breast cancer. The exhibition was inspired after a longer stay in hospital than was usual from complications following surgery. Catharine juxtaposes the German artist, Gerhard Richter's, paintings of murdered nurses, depicting cold impersonal representations against her own experiences in the hospital of warmth, tenderness and humour. While in hospital she took photographs, collected objects, she commissioned the book You are not alone and also art work in ceramic, metal and wood. The exhibition encourages new perspectives of social and medical objects, hospital spaces and the breast cancer experience.
Description: extra information: The exhibition was hosted by the Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu during 13 May to 10 July 2005.
R55
Holmes, Nola. 2000. Double trouble. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited by
M. Clark, 47 - 53. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Nola (adult): breast cancer in both breasts in 1993 and 1998.
Nola contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Nola reflects on the two years of tests on her first breast lump that showed no abnormality, the surgeon's discouragement in removing the lumps and the later diagnosis of malignancy. Her second breast cancer diagnosis involved seeking a second opinion when she was told after two consecutive cloudy mammogram's to keep an eye on her breast. She shares her involvement with the Botanic Society, talking over treatment options with a cancer society counsellor, her concern over her increased susceptibility to lymphoedema, support from family and friends, the hook wire biopsy and the phantom pain after her second mastectomy. Nola encourages patients to challenge to the assumed doctor patient relationships, to seek second opinions if they are still concerned about their diagnosis.
Nola was treated by mastectomy in Bowen Hospital, given Bactroban (also called: Mupirocin) ointment and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex).
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R56
Holten, Karen. 2006. Reconstruction. The New Idea, 11 March, 31.
Karen (42): breast cancer (grade 4) in 2001.
Karen contributes with her sisters who have also been diagnosed with breast cancer and have had a mother die from breast cancer in 2003. Karen comments on her daughters now needing mammograms at 25 years and being strongly advised to be genetically tested. She needed three operations after her breast reconstruction before her new breasts looked normal.
Karen was treated by double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and planned removal of ovaries.
Description: 1 paragraph.
R57
Hudson, Aletia. 2005. My story [online], [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.thebigidea.co.nz/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=viewtopic&topic=648&forum=8>.
Aletia (33): HER2 positive breast cancer in 2005 (grade 3).
Aletia wants to raise awareness about what the public health care system in New Zealand will and will not provide for. She traces the accumulation of knowledge that led to her final decision of what treatments she will continue with. Aletia brings to the readers attention the difficult position she and others with this type of cancer are in. Requiring chemotherapy: Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide (both publicly funded), Taxotere (costs $24,000 NZ -publicly funded in Australia) and Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) ($100,000 NZ). However, all would be free for an urgent case. She questions at 33 years old what warrants urgent? She also points out that she is not able to receive a combination of public and private treatments. To give herself the best chance Aletia chose private treatments and has begun fundraising through the support of her employers in the film industry and artists donating artworks to auction.
Treated by mastectomy of the left breast with auxiliary node dissection and fundraising for Herceptin, Adriamycin (also known as: Doxorubicin, Doxil, Rubex, Hydroxydaunomycin , Hydroxydoxorubicin and Liposomal Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide (also known as: Cytoxan, Procytox and Neosar) and Taxotere (also known as: Docetaxel).
Description: 9 paragraphs.
R58
Ifopo, Felolini Maria. 2004. Coping with cancer. Spasifik, July/August, 54 - 56.
Felolini (32): breast cancer in 2004.
Felolini had a mastectomy, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy. Independent thinking, knowledge, humour and family are central to her story and illuminate how Felolini managed to cope with having cancer, how it changed her life, how she managed to look after her son and motivated her to revisit past goals including running and creative pursuits.
R59
Ifopo, Felolini Maria. 2005. My cancer Olympics. Spasifik, January/February, 34.
Felolini (32): breast cancer in 2004.
Felolini addresses how she is achieving the goals she set after her diagnosis. This includes, showing her artistic talents in an exhibition entitled Tuafafine (represents the strength women must tap into to survive cancer) and achieving her fitness goals by entering in the Contour women's triathlon series and training for the Special K women's triathlon. She compares completing her last session of chemotherapy as completing the cancer Olympics. Felolini is very grateful for being Samoan and having a close family to help care her and her son.
Treated by mastectomy, reconstruction (skin and muscle form her stomach) and chemotherapy. She reports that her new breast has no feeling and chemotherapy felt like having a very long hangover that would get worse with each session.
Description: extra information: exhibition was shown at Trish Shaw Fine Arts in Canterbury and now on lone to the Pacific Health Clinic in Canterbury.
R60
Jane. n.d. No time for breast cancer [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/janestory.htm>.
Jane (45): breast cancer in 2001.
Jane wishes she had asked for a second opinion after her radiologists witnessed calcifications and cysts year after year and told her there was nothing to worry about. After a discharge with a rock-hard lump in her left breast and being told to observe the lump, she chose to refer herself to a breast specialist and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She reflects on lessons learned, skills gained, devastating times and rewarding times. She describes reaching a balance with cancer, metaphorically evicting it for now, describing it as living on the other end of the seesaw. She confidently stated, 'she looks cancer in the eye', preferring not to worry about the future. She credits cancer for improving her life, feeling wiser, more spiritual and calmer. She reassessed her priorities, changed her career from management jobs to working part-time and writing. She published her first book 'Welcome to the Amazon Club'.
Treated by mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Description: 6 paragraphs.
R61
Jane. 2005. Jane. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 21. Nelson: Stump Creek.
Melissa (adult): breast cancer.
Melissa's friend, Jane, wrote this poem in response to Melissa's diagnosis. Melissa's cancer made her re-evaluate her own life priorities; gave birth to maternal instincts, wanting to care for Melissa and feelings of helplessness in changing the outcome for Melissa.
Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm / 0473101467.
R62
Jane. 1998. Jane. In The unremarkable nipple - a journey with breast cancer, edited by S. McLeod, 120 - 121. Palmerston North:
Dunmore Press.
Jane (35): breast cancer in 1985 and then cancer of the armpit gland in 1996.
Jane reports on the genetic trait of breast cancer, meeting her daughter adopted to another family, confronting her mothers personal beliefs -Jane got cancer by having a child out of wedlock and taking her surgeon to the medical disciplinary board (found guilty of conduct unbecoming a medical professional). She experiences her mother being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988 and dying six months later. She was given the all clear from cancer despite her voiced concern about a new swelling under her arm. After a routine gynaecological check-up she was told to go to the breast clinic and was then diagnosed with cancer of the armpit gland. She encourages others to get information, seek second referral, ask question and not to let concerns be brushed aside.
Treated by mastectomy.
Description: 147 pages/ ill/ 21 cm/ 086469332X.
R63
Jefferies, Pat. 2000. One of the lucky ones. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 54 - 59. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Pat (adult): malignant tumour in her parotid gland in 1988 and later new primary lobular carcinoma of her breast, lymph node involvement.
A nurse for 30 years at Wellington Hospital, Pat, contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women and for New Zealand women, about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Her story is a reflection on her experience as a nurse during 1950 to 1980's and her adjustment to moving from being a nurse to becoming a cancer patient. She describes being well cared for by the nurses, medical practitioners and cancer society drivers.
Treated by surgery, five weeks radiation treatment in Wellington hospital and further treatment in Wellington using private and public care by mastectomy, radiation treatment, a blood transfusion, Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex) and a haemovac.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814/ REPEATED ENTRY see also under parotid gland cancer.
R64
Laing, Tricia. 2000. Of lavender and things. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 60 - 64. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Tricia (adult): breast cancer.
Tricia, contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women, about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Tricia's story is of her experiences combining conventional and complementary treatments. Experiencing chemotherapy and post mastectomy in conjunction with a healer who used crystals, essential oil, foot massage and guided meditation. Tricia chose follow-up treatments at the Lucas Klinik in Switzerland, eating lacto-vegetarian meals, reading, sleeping, meeting people, herbal liver compress wrapped around her abdomen, herbal teas, therapy, massage, speech therapy and dream work.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R65
Lambert, Lynne. 2005. The Livlif project. Christchurch: Centre of Contemporary Art.
Lynne (45): breast cancer in 1994.
This is the exhibition catalogue that accompanies Lynne's show, The Livlif project. The exhibition is a collection of second hand bras from breast cancer survivors. The catalogue contains a brief account of her background with breast cancer and one sentence extracts from letters of other breast cancer survivors who sent her the bras. Lynne shares her feelings about losing quarter of her left breast, receiving radiation treatment and experiencing depression, fatigue and shame because she had a disease. She examined the feelings of fear, isolation and sadness that had overwhelmed her while being treated for breast cancer. Turning these experiences into an art form she produced her first exhibition in Annie's Winebar, Christchurch, entitled 1/9 and 2001 Integrated fragments at Christchurch Contemporary Art gallery and currently the Livlif project. Lynne felt inspired by the women she met during the investigation of her own breast cancer.
R66
Latimer, Nicky. 1995. Nicky Latimer. In I feel lucky: Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.
Nicky (30): breast cancer in 1995.
Nicky contributes to a compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from cancer survivors. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. Revealing her reaction to the diagnosis was to keep busy and socialise. Nicky had a mastectomy and honestly explains to her children that the doctors removed the breast. She shares the scar on her chest openly and shows a lack of concern over potential problems about her prosthesis. Breast cancer gave her a new sense of deep contentment with life.
Description: 2 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 16 cm.
R67
Linda. n.d. Linda's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/lindastory.htm>.
Linda (49): hormone receptive breast cancer in her left breast (grade 2) in 2003.
Initially unconcerned over the growing indentation on the underside of her breast Linda remembers the surreal events following diagnosis. Linda shares her experience of taking a year off teaching and losing her hair from chemotherapy. She reflects on the unexpected boost she gained from having her breast reconstructed. No longer having to wash a prosthesis every night, not being constantly reminded of cancer, being able to wear a swimsuit and receiving a flat stomach. She declares her gratitude for the support from family and friends and appreciates the exceptional, honest and objective care she received from her oncologist and surgeon. She reveals cancer changed her, she appreciates more things and has re-evaluated what is important in life.
Treated by radical mastectomy of her left breast, 21 lymph nodes removed, participated in a chemotherapy trial: Adriamycin (also known as: Doxorubicin, Doxil, Rubex, Hydroxydaunomycin , Hydroxydoxorubicin and Liposomal Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide (also known as: Cytoxan, Procytox and Neosar) and Taxotere (also known as: Docetaxel), daily injections of a Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF, Neupogen, Leukine and GM-CSF) in her abdomen to artificially raise white blood count, radiotherapy everyday for four weeks, creams to keep the burning to a minimum and breast reconstruction. The effects of treatments included: hair loss, hospitalised with .02 blood count caused by the Taxotere, nauseousness, sensitive eyes, runny nose, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, heat burn, altered taste buds and radiation burns two weeks after completing treatment.
Description: 6 paragraphs.
R68
Love, Jenny. 1988. A reader's story: A mastectomy, but I'm still in good shape. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 8 February, 44 - 45.
Jenny (adult): breast cancer in 1986.
Initially Jenny had been misdiagnosed and told to monitor the discharge from her nipple. Only after a lump appeared was she diagnosed. After having a reconstruction Jenny remembers feeling physically and mentally marvellous, needing very little pain relief, jogging within a week and performing aerobics in a month. She believes she has been fortunate to have a reconstruction; she can wear what she likes and is not reminded of her cancer via prosthesis. Jenny wants to inspire other women to ask for a reconstruction. She was overwhelmed and thankful for the support from family, friends, doctor, oncology nurse, district nurses, Palmerston North Cancer Society person, her employer and job share co-worker.
Treated by modified radical mastectomy, breast reconstruction (stomach flap) , nipple reconstruction from skin in the groin area and chemotherapy: CMF for six months. Jenny also attended a breast cancer support group.
R69
Marie. 2006. Marie's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
<http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/mariestory.htm>.
Marie (60): genetic BRAC 1 gene breast cancer in 2000 and later ovarian cancer.
At 60 years Marie's regular mammograms increased in frequency and incorporated an ultra sound. The first ultrasound showed a breast lump. Marie remembers stalling the surgeon's decision to have prophylactic surgery and two weeks later deciding against prophylactic surgery. Marie participated in a KConFab consortium study (in Auckland), researching familial breast cancer. She also had her mastectomy at St Marks Hospital, who was involved in a university study about how self-help could make a difference to healing after a mastectomy. Marie feels fortunate to have been involved in this study, receiving good care, building long-term friendships and learning new health care skills.
Marie was treated by mastectomy, complemented by the university study incorporating: meditation, visualisation, journaling, reducing stress, psychological questionnaires every six months for two years and has since visited a naturopath for diet and supplement recommendations to get well.
Description: 5 paragraphs.
R70
Matheson, Gaye. 2000. My journey. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories, edited by M.
Clark, 75 -84. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Gaye (adult): breast cancer.
Gaye contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Gaye shares her diary entries from the initial symptoms of breast cancer to post treatments; she questions the different scenarios that could have improved her situation. Her story illustrates the frustration she felt after it took six months to diagnose breast cancer, waiting for test results and further appointments. Gaye was not concerned over the loss of her breast, rarely wore a wig and she attending the Look-good-feel-better programme.
Treated by mastectomy, haemovac, lymph node removal and chemotherapy. She experienced an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy, severe depression and loss of hair.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R71
McDonald, Geraldine. 2000. Cleaning out the basement. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer
stories, edited by M. Clark, 65 - 68. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Geraldine (adult): breast cancer in 1995 and a second breast cancer in 2000.
Geraldine contributes to the collection of short stories by New Zealand women, and for New Zealand women, about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Geraldine remembers how she reassured others about her diagnosis, participated in a research trial for immediate breast reconstruction and how she adjusted to her new appearance without reconstruction after her second mastectomy. She reflects on her satisfying life to date and remembers with humour her potentially embarrassing experiences with a prosthesis. Geraldine was the executive director of the New Zealand Council for Research.
Geraldine was treated by double mastectomy, and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex).
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R72
McFarlane, Shona. 1999. In Shona McFarlane: A memoir, 81 - 89. Auckland: Penguin Books.
Shona (42): breast cancer in 1972 and long term cancer survivor. Postscript: Shona (71) died in 2001.
Shona experiences a long painful process of abdominal healing and physical changes due to steroidal treatments. Shona also retired from journalism and lobbied a Minister of Parliament for prosthesis subsidy (and eventual passing of legislation). She reports that the choice for an early prosthesis was either prone to leakage or could have doubled for an embroiders pincushion. She illuminates she coped with cancer by talking and writing about it. Shona is now free of cancer but has ongoing heart problems that have resulted from early forms of radiation treatments.
Treated by mastectomy, ovaries removed, radiation, steroids. The effects of treatments include: the steroids created a change in her voice, hairy kneecaps and knuckles, hair began to curl, sideburns and hairy lip. After having her ovaries removed she suffered dreadful pain, her wound burst open with pus and a month later she discovered a ball of something stringy which had been left in her stomach. After it was removed she began to heal. She has permanent scars from the radiation burns.
Description: 165 pages/ ill/ 24 cm/ 0140284818/ extra information: Shona died in 2001/ A condensed version of this chapter can also found in: McFarlane, S. (2000). Miracles are okay with me. Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories. M. Clark. Auckland, Cape Catley: 69 - 74.
R73
McLeod, Sue. 1998. In The unremarkable nipple - a journey with breast cancer, edited by S. McLeod, 9 - 65 & 125 -128. Palmerston
North: Dunmore Press.
Sue (49): infiltrating lobular carcinoma (also known as invasive lobular carcinoma) of the breast in 1995.
Sue uses a collage of humour, cartoon pictures, medical reports, diary entries, letters sent from her doctors and psychiatric analysis to illustrate what she contended with while navigating the medical system. Often experiencing impersonal care, confusion and contradictory information. She includes the following examples: needing a second opinion to get a referral to the breast clinic; a radiologist's medical record which stated no malignance; a pathology report from the lumpectomy stating no residual tumour after she had a mastectomy and only given Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex) after a medical disciplinary board addressed her tumour measurement being registered the wrong size (5mm when it was 5cm). She describes the extra hassles resulting from having cancer. Including being unable to afford health insurance, costs of private hospital treatments and her limited selection of hospitals because of chronic allergy to glutaraldehyde (from her previous career as a radiologist). She remembers cellotaping arnica to her chest for the surgeon to use after the operation; confronting her surgeon about his insensitivity and her lack of closure over losing her breast needlessly; the reassuring and apologetic reply from the surgeon; being fitted for a prosthesis, apologising for her small breasts because they did not have her sized prosthesis and her joy eventually wearing a sweater with balanced breasts. She encourages others to know the basic details of their breast cancer and to be aware if surgeons get their facts wrong, to know breast cancer can be manageable and to go to a support group. She finally celebrates integrating her single-breasted reality with life.
Treated by mastectomy, Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex) and arnica. Her reactions included bad nerve damage in chest area, high emotions, hormonal changes and menopause.
Description: 147 pages/ ill/ 21 cm/ 086469332X.
R74
McMillan, Karen. 2003. Mary. In Unbreakable spirit: Facing the challenge of cancer in New Zealand, edited by K. McMillan, 44 - 56.
Auckland: Tandem Press.
Mary (49): breast cancer, five years later metastatic tumours at the base of her spine, liver and lungs and death.
This book is a collection of New Zealand cancer experiences, which Karen (freelance writer) has compiled. Experiences are from her investigation into how people with cancer view their own mortality, view cancer, are impacted by cancer and are being treated medically and socially for cancer. Included is Karen's experience of her mother and father dying from cancer. This chapter is the recollection of Karen from the time her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer to her death. This story is about getting to know her mother, caring for a loved one with cancer, and grief for the final lost ties to her family history. Karen describes her mother as shy to the point of being a loner, opinionated, stubborn, courageous, a talented artist and happiest with simple things. She remembers her mother forcing her to feel the lump so she knew what one would feel like, going on road trips with her and experiencing role reversal in becoming her mother's mother. After promising to keep her mothers illness a secret and moving home to care for her, Karen reflects on the times of feeling overwhelmed and isolated from her normal support network, describing it as dropping out of the world as she knew it. She is thankful for the hospice support when things became difficult. She shares her daily routine, her own reactions to emotional stress with her hair falling out and having a dermatitis rash on face and arms. She remembers her mothers strength facing death, her condition improving and experiencing a misdiagnosis of a slip disc. Not until after several visits, intolerable pain and a second opinion did she get a CAT scan and was diagnosed with secondary tumours. Becoming increasingly confused Karen admitted her mother into the hospice where she died.
She was treated by lumpectomy, radiation; she refused chemotherapy (after seeing her husband go through it), lymph nodes removed, Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex) and a syringe driver.
Description: 208 pages/ 21 cm/ 1877298050.
R75
Moore, Jenna. 2005. If I wasn't such a stroppy tart, I might not still be here. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 20 June, 24 - 25.
Jenny (55): HER 2 positive breast cancer, returning two years later.
Jenny narrates her frustration over the length of time she needed to wait for treatments after both diagnosis. Jenny remembers being told she was terminal after the misdiagnosed metastases on her liver and that she needed palliative chemotherapy. She reports on the high costs for Taxotere and Herceptin (also known as: Trastuzumab) , and the eleven week waiting period for treatments through the public hospital. After informing the hospital she would probably be dead by then and threatened to take them to Health Consumer Services, she received an earlier appointment. Jenny encourages others to rock the boat if they need. Jenny works in a law office and also volunteered for breast cancer support.
She was treated by partial mastectomy and chemotherapy.
R76
Morris Matthews, Kay. 2000. Looking forward. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 85 - 93. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Kay (47): breast cancer in 1999.
Kay contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. She summarises the diary of her roller coaster feelings and emotions from the time of her diagnosis. She credits the support she received from her husband, her son, flowers, cards, visits, phone calls from family and friends, the information couriered to her by cancer society librarian, counselling and the radiology team as helping her to heal.
Treated by lumpectomy, lymph glands removed, radiation treatment and counselling. She experienced four infections.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R77
Muir, Lois. 2000. Keeping busy is the thing. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 94 - 96. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Lois (50s): breast cancer.
Lois contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Lois provides insight into the value of being open about having breast cancer while being a public figure.
Treated by mastectomy and radiation at Otago Hospital.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R78
Piddington, Pam. 2000. A twin approach. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
edited by M. Clark, 97 - 100. Auckland: Cape Catley.
Pam (adult): breast cancer in 1990.
Pam contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women; about their varying experiences and different ways they coped with breast cancer. Pam provides details into the physiological pain she was in after diagnosed and treated, and also the mental and emotional pain she experienced. She attributes a positive frame of mind and being in charge of her treatment as aiding her recovery.
Treated in the Georgetown hospital (United States of America) by lumpectomy, radiation and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex). Complemented with the Ayurvedic Medical centre by learning visualisation, naturopathy, ridding the body of toxins, strict diet and restorative yoga poses.
Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.
R79
Owen, Penny. 1990. In Living with cancer: A handbook for New Zealanders, edited by P. Owen, 52 - 69. Auckland: Collins.
Penny (adult): breast cancer 1981, in remission for eight years and then metastatic cancer in her bones.
This book also includes chapters explaining the medical system, breast cancer tests, where to get help, advice to cope with fear, loss of finance and reaction to treatments. Penny, a Canadian with New Zealand residency, shares her acceptance of death, a distancing relationship with her husband, experiencing anxiety attacks, losing her hair, buying a prosthesis and being visited by the Mastectomy Rehabilitation Society. Penny was a guidance counsellor at Hagley High school.
Penny was treated by mastectomy; incomplete treatment of chemotherapy: Cyclophosphamide (also called: Cytoxan, Neosar and Procytox), Methotrexate (also called: Amethopterin), Fluorouracil (also called: Adrucil and 5 Flu), radiation, hormones and Dexamethasone. Treatments were complemented with acupuncture and self hypnosis. She experienced severe reactions to chemotherapy, nausea, nightmares, constipation, diarrhoea, depression, dry mouth, menopause, lost hair, mouth infections, impacted bowel from radiation, hypercalcemia and a extremely swollen body.
Description: 74 pages/ 22 cm/ 1869500245.