Meet our Support Workers - they've been through Breast Cancer themselves
They're here to help you navigate the many aspects of having breast cancer. Whether you want practical information like who supplies prosthesis (and what are they anyway?) or more in depth conversations our support workers are here to help you.
Individual Support
Would you like to talk to someone who has had breast cancer?
Our Support Workers are women who have coped with breast cancer. They understand the fears and feelings that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, they've been through it themselves. They are here to help you successfully navigate the journey by offering practical and emotional support, hope, encouragement and information.
We don't offer medical or treatment advice and we always recommend in the first instance to seek such information from your medical team but we can listen and have a wealth of information about resources available to you.
Contribute to our free local support and education programmes – make a difference in our community and donate today.
Counselling
Counselling offers the opportunity to talk with someone who will listen without criticism, keeping what you say confidential and work with you to explore ways of dealing with what life is offering you. We have qualified, experienced counsellors available.
Helping Hands
Financial support is available to alleviate a little of the stress that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis for those who are experiencing financial hardship.
Dinner Delivery
When you have just had surgery or in the middle of treatment, the thought of preparing a meal can be daunting. We can offer you some meals for your freezer – healthy and appetising and all you have to do is defrost.
Oncology Massage
Gentle massage can be a good way to help ease stress and anxiety while you are dealing with breast cancer and for some it can be an effective way to relieve pain. Michelle Stewart delivers our oncology massage service for clients on Thursdays here at the resource centre. (Please note we recommend you do not access massage while having or recovering from radiation and you must have at least 3 days between the day of your last IV chemo and the day of your massage).
For more information call us on 027 571 3346 or email us.
Group Meetings 2024
Groups are held at the Service Centre at 53 Fraser St.
Contact us to find out more 027 571 3346 or support@breastcancerbop.org.nz
Young Women's Support Group
If you're under 50, that's young to have breast cancer. Some of your experiences and challenges will be different and it's good to be able to meet up with other young women with breast cancer to share experiences and support.
Young woman's Christmas Pot Luck dinner
Thursday 28th November // 6.00 - 7.30pm // 53 Fraser Street
Men with Breast Cancer Group
If you are a man who has breast cancer and would like to access support and services we offer, please contact us.
Lymphoedema Education
on line workshop via zoom
Essential information on how to prevent lymphoedema as well as self massage techniques.
Speaker is Desiree de Spong
Tuesday 29th October // 6.00 - 7.30pm // Zoom
Link will be sent to you via email
Cafe Coffee Mornings 2024
Come along and get together at a Cafe with others who are going through breast cancer. Please let us know if you are planning on attending, so that we can text you if we need to cancel because of bad weather.
Tel 027 5713346 or email support@breastcancerbop.org.nz
Papamoa Cafe Coffee Morning
With Mel
Wednesday
16 Oct & 11 Dec
10.30am - 12 midday
Pacifica Garden Centre
Tara Road, Papamoa
Tauranga Cafe Coffee Morning
with Mel
Wednesday
25 Sep & 4 Dec
10.30-12 midday
Bloom Cafe, Decor Gardenworld 165 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem
Te Puke Cafe Coffee Morning
with Mel
Wednesday
6 Nov
10.30am - 12 midday
The Daily Cafe
3 Commerce Lane (opposite New World)
Exercise and Breast Cancer
There are a number of options available to you to ensure you are engaging in exercise that is right for you both during and after treatment. Read about these here or contact one of our support workers to discuss your options – phone 027 571 3346 or email us.
"Ngaire was very helpful and supportive. She rang and checked in on me just often enough. My husband and I met with heart the centre and we had a lovely chat which was very informative too."
- Colleen O’Sullivan
“A huge thank you for the beautiful chicken dinners and very decadent chocolate puddings that were delivered to my home. I devoured the pudding the night before I went into hospital so it was a perfect before fasting meal.”
- Siobhan Gemerden
"Regular contact. Friendly voice on the phone. Regular newsletters/email. Lots of offer of support. Keep doing what you are doing. You are all amazing."
- Judy Gore
Lending Library
Sometimes it's hard to absorb all the information being given at the time of your diagnosis, as you may feel overwhelmed by everything happening.
Don't worry, we have a Resource Room bulging with information brochures and a complimentary library for your use.
The comprehensive library features books both informational and inspirational, written by both medical professionals and breast cancer survivors. Books cover a range of topics from diagnosis to recovery, how to tell the kids, how to tell your friends, from complementary therapies to embracing life. Feel free to come along and see if there is something that answers your questions, inspires you or gives you focus.
Supporting Others
When someone you love is diagnosed with breast cancer the most important thing you can do is listen.
Listen carefully to what they say so you can understand what they need. Remember they are still the same person but now need extra support, especially during periods of treatment and hospital stays. How you react can make a big difference. The first time you see them after a diagnosis is often the most difficult. Don't ignore the illness. Acknowledge it and let them talk if they want to. People with cancer often have mood swings and can take several months to adjust to a diagnosis, so be prepared for changes in behaviour. Don't let their bad days put you off and keep in touch.
Listen
Everyone reacts differently. Some will want to talk about it, some will want to talk about anything but the diagnosis. Listen for what they want and don't be afraid to ask what they'd like to do.
Attend
Offer to go with your friend to appointments or treatments. Often there will be a lot of information for a patient to absorb and it is hard when your head is spinning. A friend focusing on the information may help to pass it on later.
Chores
Fold the washing, do the vacuuming, mow the lawn, weed the garden, take the children to school, prepare a meal, but do it without making them feel inadequate.
Be specific
Asking for help is not easy. So when a friend says, "Whatever you need, just give me a call", it's hard for someone to make that call. It's better to be specific and ask, When would you like me to come over and help with some of the chores - Tuesday or Thursday?"
Family
Don't forget that the person's family will be going through a lot of emotions and changes in their routines as well. They will need support too.
