Breast


180

Patterson, Jan. 2003. Hello dolly! Next, November, 174 - 176.

Jan (52): ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast in 2002.

Jan reflects on the highs and lows during the time after her breast cancer diagnosis. She had a farewell to the breast ceremony, ended of a four year relationship, woke up excited by her reconstructed breasts and buried her breasts at her mother's grave -to remain faithful to her Maori ancestry. Jan finishes with being happy and hopeful for the future.

She was treated with a full mastectomy (tissue expander reconstruction), breast implant, nipple reconstruction, aerola tattoo and mastopexy on the other breast in North Shore Hospital.


R81

Peters, Joy. 1979. In Breast cancer: Life without fear, 3 -31. Auckland: Methuen.

Joy (adult): breast cancer in 1974.

This is Joy Peters experience of transforming from a suburban housewife into an breast cancer advocate, parliamentary lobbyist (for the equal rights of cancer patients under Accident Compensation), class supervisor, mastectomy swimsuit consultant and initiator of the Wellington Mastectomy Rehabilitation Services. Joy shares, thinking post surgery; the surgeon had performed the wrong operation, after waking from the operation with a pain in her leg. She remembers being told split peas would make a good prosthesis, being fitted for a prosthesis, her nervousness in showing her scar to the shop assistant, being unable to find a prosthesis in her size, the efforts they went to balance her breasts, the reconstruction of her clothes to hide scars, lobbying Jantzen to make her a mastectomy swimsuit and eventually winning subsidies for breast forms, artificial eyes and wigs. She gratefully acknowledges the support of her husband, children and friends as important in her rehabilitation.

Joy was treated by radical mastectomy, skin graft from thigh because growth was extensive, haemovac and blood drip.

Description: 84 pages/ ill/ 22 cm/ 0456027009.


R82

Pollock, Sandy. 2006. Chemotherapy. The New Idea, 11 March, 31.

Sandy (26): breast cancer and long term survivor then 18 years later another breast cancer.

In Auckland's, Middlemore hospital, Sandy was initially given three months to live. She remembers anger at having breast cancer but finding solace that she could hide her cancer by using a prosthesis. Her story is connected with her four sisters reflecting on having breast cancer and inheriting the cancer gene.

Treated with chemotherapy, radiation and mastectomy, then a second mastectomy, ovaries removed and more chemotherapy.

Description: 1 paragraph.


R83

Ramsden, Irihapeti. 2000. A fortunate woman. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,         edited by M. Clark, 101 - 107. Auckland: Cape Catley.

Irihapeti (48): breast cancer.

Irihapeti 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. With her mother dying from breast cancer at 35 and descendents from Ngai Tahu, Rangitane and Ngati Raukawa who died from cancer by 43 Irihapeti is determined to live longer for her mokupuna (children). She describes her cancer experiences as a series of paradoxes, wonderful and often funny. Including her children's reaction to the diagnosis, coming to terms with having a prosthesis and the burial of her breast in the family garden. She reveals the intimate moments, her husband showering her after her breast was removed, her thoughts about empowering Maori, future mokupuna, legalising euthanasia and preparing for death.

Irihapeti was treated by mastectomy, chemotherapy. She was guided through chemotherapy by karakia tawhito. She accepted reiki, visualisations, Christian prayers, the support of family and friends to help her heal.

Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814. extra information: Irihapeti died in 2003.


R84

Robyn. n.d. Robyn's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/robynstory.htm>.

Robyn (43): breast cancer in 1995 and long-term survivor.

Nine years later she remembers the minute details on the day of her diagnosis and what was happening in her environment. She is thankful for the support she received; remembers the waiting lists for surgery and radiotherapy; and then feeling humbled by the atmosphere in the radiotherapy unit. Robyn's experiences led to five years as editor of Upfront magazine and a lifetime commitment to informing women about breast cancer. Robyn is grateful she went for her mammogram nine years ago.

Treated in Auckland hospital by partial mastectomy and radiotherapy. The reactions to the treatments included: a mild skin irritation and tiredness.

Description: 9 paragraphs.


R85

Ruth. n.d. Ruth's story [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/ruthstory.htm>.

Ruth (adult): breast cancer in 1999.

Ruth began living a healthier lifestyle after her diagnosis. This included going to the gym before work and a run on Sundays. At 56 years she is delighted to be able to wear a bikini on a Fijian beach. She inspires others that even with the added emotional stress of breast cancer and being in an older age bracket they should not give up on themselves. She credits being fit as having a profound affect on all aspects of her life.

Treated by left mastectomy and reconstruction using a Latissimus Flap and an excision of a lesion from her right breast. Participated in Body for Life: a health, nutrition and exercise regime.

Description: 1 paragraph.


R86

Ryan, Sue. 2004. Radiation therapy Sydney-side. Next, November, 231 - 233.

Sue (adult): breast cancer.

Sue remembers choosing the government funded radiation treatment in Sydney's Mater Hospital. She provides insight into the hospital, helpful staff, the radiation room, accommodation at the Medina Apartments, the Australian Breast Cancer Society and the Look-Good-Feel-Better workshop. She remembers the trip to Sydney as turning radiation treatment into a fun experience.


R87

Sabine. 2005. Sabine. In You are not alone, edited by C. Hodson and L. Wevers, 7. Nelson: Stump Creek.

Melissa (adult): breast cancer.

Melissa's younger sister, Sabine, comments on the fear of losing her sister and feeling sick at seeing her scarred. She shares her own panic, and devastation that Melissa would lose a body part representing her womanhood. She missed not being able to burden her sister with her own problems of pregnancy, felt distanced from Melissa, at times alone in her own grief. She also comments on now being in a high risk category.

Description: 25 pages/ 30 cm/ 0473101467.


R88

Scott, Clare. 2004. We faced the worst -and survived. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 27 September, 30.

Nicky (34): breast cancer.

Nicky describes sadness at not being able to hug her children after a mastectomy and her children seeing her sick. She remembers the tight financial situation with little support from family, as they did not live in New Zealand. She is now an eight-year survivor and has joined the dragon boat survivor's team, Bustin-With-Life. She feels lucky to still be alive.

Treated by mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. The effects of the treatments were loss of all her hair and severe burns to her skin.


R89

Sian. n.d. Sian's story [online], Breast Cancer Network, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/sianstory.htm>.

Sian (31): breast cancer and an unrelated lung cancer in 2001.

Sian, the mother of two children, remembers being a terminal cancer patient, before the doctors knew the tumour in her lung was unrelated cancer and therefore curable. She relates feeling the pointlessness of day to day activities, the overwhelming feelings she would not see her children grow up, being reliant on her husband to perform household chores and to look after the children. Significant is Sian stating she does not smoke, highlighting the 'smoking' stigma lung cancer patients can feel.

Treated by nutritionist before starting conventional treatments. Sian consumed supplements, organic fruit, organic vegetables; and excluded dairy, red meat, sugar and alcohol. Conventionally treated by chemotherapy, mastectomy, half of left lung removed and breast reconstruction (from stomach tissue). The reactions to treatments included: losing her hair, tiredness and vomiting four times after her first chemotherapy. After a few days Sian reported feeling better than she had in years. Sian credits the diet in making her feel incredibly healthy and was delighted at having cleavage again after her reconstruction.

Description: 5 paragraphs/ REPEATED ENTRY see also lung cancer.


R90

Skafer, Jill. 2000. Message to my daughters. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
        edited by M. Clark, 108 - 111. Auckland: Cape Catley.

Jill (50): breast cancer in 1988.

Jill 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. As a businesswoman she describes her experiences as a journey of consultation, negotiation and determination. Utilising bullet points to describe what she learnt and gained from having breast cancer. Jill describes becoming an avid reader of motivational materials and the stories of others overcoming cancer. Jill describes struggling to slow down and take time to accept and listen to all the people who cared and supported her.

Treated privately by lumpectomy and radiation.

Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.


R91

Sue. n.d. No breasts great shoulders [online], Breast Cancer Network NZ, [cited 10 June 2006]. Available from:
        <http://www.breastcancer.nzco.net/stories/suestory.htm>.

Sue (41): invasive breast cancer (grade 1), returning four years later.

Sue reflects on the initial diagnosis, remembering her day to day activities as remaining the same but at the same time feeling everything had changed. She remembers the loneliness, confusion, fear and anger at this time. She reveals the second diagnosis as a more positive experience. Crediting the support from other breast cancer survivors and belonging to a community of women as helping her cope. She stresses to others to know they are not alone.

Treated by lumpectomy then bilateral mastectomy after it reoccurred and radiotherapy. She got lymphoedema from the radiotherapy.

Description: 5 paragraphs.



R92

Tait, Philippa. 2000. Second time second chance. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer
        stories, edited by M. Clark, 112 - 117. Auckland: Cape Catley.

Philippa (adult): lobular breast cancer in 1987 and later another tumour which had spread to the armpit and under her collarbone.

Philippa contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women about their varying experiences and the different ways they coped with breast cancer. She discusses the importance of talking about her cancer experience and how making her experience real helped heal other parts of her well-being. Philippa believes learning to talk about her cancer with a counsellor helped prepare her for the second tumour and eventually finding peace and acceptance with her life.

Treated by mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and Tamoxifen (also called: Nolvadex). Phillipa experienced a near death allergic reaction to the chemotherapy.

Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.


R93

Tucker, Gilly. 2002. Fighting chance. Next, November, 97 - 100.

Gilly (adult): breast cancer.

Gilly employs genetic theory to understand why she has cancer. Explaining the genetic construction of the cells, how they grow and how blood type can make a person more susceptible to cancer. She believes a ten-year period of stress was the major instigator to her already genetically weakened cells.

Treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation a member of a support group.


R94

Wassilieff, Ngaire. 1995. Ngaire Wassilieff. In I feel lucky:Interviews and photographs celebrating cancer survivors, edited by H.
        Ogonowska-Coates, n.p. S.I: R & J Watson Trust.

Ngaire (adult): breast cancer. Ngaire contributes to this compilation of uplifting and brief recollections from ordinary people who have survived cancer. The booklet accompanied the photographic exhibition "I feel lucky". Each person was interviewed by Halina Ogonowska-Coates and photographed by Ian Robertson. With an upbeat attitude Ngaire briefly narrates her experience after the mastectomy showing family members her scar, getting a prosthesis and attending breast cancer support groups.Description: 1 page/ black and white photograph of Ngaire holding out a prosthetic nipple/ 16 cm.


R95

Werren, Angela. 2000. The beginning of the rest of my life. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast
        cancer stories, edited by M. Clark, 118 - 125. Auckland: Cape Catley.

Angela (adult): breast cancer in 1990.

Angela 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. Angela coped with her diagnosis by choosing to view cancer as a challenge not an illness/problem. She includes the steps she took to overcome the challenge. Angela attributes using complementary therapies as reducing the side effects from conventional treatments.

Treated at Hutt Hospital by partial mastectomy, lymph gland removal and radiation treatment. Complementary treatments include high dose vitamin C, vitamin E on the scar, psychotherapy, nutrition (mainly vegetarian diet), reading books about triumph over human adversity and positive affirmations.

Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.


R96

Whitehead, Gillian. 2000. A force for survival. In Beating our breasts: Twenty New Zealand women tell their breast cancer stories,
        edited by M. Clark, 126 - 131. Auckland: Cape Catley.

Gillian (50): breast cancer in 1991.

Gillian contributes to a collection of short stories by New Zealand women, for New Zealand women about their varying experiences and the different ways they coped with breast cancer. Cancer made Gillian reassess her life priorities taking early retirement from her career in teaching at a Sydney university. She describes cancer as forcing her to realise the extent she values and is valued by her friends and family. A renowned composer Gillian wrote a piece of music for the cello about her experiences in being treated for cancer that Jan Bolwell choreographed.

She was treated in Sydney by chemotherapy, radiation and cortisone. Gillian used complementary treatments of affirmations, restorative balance, nutrition, creativity, counselling and halting repetitive patterns to help her heal.

Description: 135 pages/ black and white photographic portrait/ 21 cm/ 0908561814.


R97

Wilson, Alison. 2006. Ovaries removed. The New Idea, 11 March, 31.

Alison (38): a tiny BRAC 1 positive gene breast cancer through ultrasound in her right breast.

Alison reflects on why she chose not to have a reconstruction and how cancer has affected her sisters who were also diagnosed.

Alison was treated by double mastectomy and ovaries removed.

Description: 1 paragraph.


R98

Willson, Carol. 2002. I'm living each day as if it's my last. New Zealand Woman's Weekly, 23 December, 28 -29.

Carol (adult): breast cancer in 2000, then dermatomysositis and lung cancer.

Carol remembers having a few drinks and a bath with her husband straight after being diagnosed with breast cancer, describing it as a strange and a wonderful time. After spending along time in medical care Carol remembers needing to mentally adjust to having a life outside hospital. Her difficulties were added to by being made redundant from work. Comparing her experience as going to hell and back she reports recovery is very gradual. She credits having cancer and dermatomysositis as changing her outlook, now taking nothing for granted and wanting to help others. Carol dedicates her story to her husband who gave her the strength to carry on.

Treated by surgery to remove lung tumour (given clear margins) and steroids. Treatment effects included a swollen face and grey hair.


R99

Woods, Helen. 2005. An intruder in our midst. Next, November, 125 -128.

Helen (adult): breast cancer in 2004.

Helen reflects on how breast cancer has impacted on her relationship with her husband, Stan. She reveals an increased need for support from Stan and differences in the way they perceived each challenge. She reflects on the frustrations she had with Stan's positive relaxed attitude.


R100

Woods, Helen. 2005. An intruder in our midst. Next, November, 125 -128.

Helen (adult): breast cancer in 2004.

Stan, Helen's husband, recollects how breast cancer has impacted on their relationship. Stan decided to support Helen by remaining positive and practical. He admits being unprepared for the emotional support that Helen needed and at times he came across as giving more attention to the dogs. Attempting to understand what support was important for Helen, he reprioritised his commitments so they could connect on a deeper level and he could spend more time with his family.