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CanTalk newsletter

AUTUMN 2013 No. 66

CANCER SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa CANTALK 66 AUTUMN 2013

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Contents

Looking after Your Bones During and After Cancer Treatment 3 & 4 Bone Behaviour 3How Do I Look After My Bones? 4 What Are Bisphosphonates? 5 Bones and Exercise 5 Helpful Reading 5 Supporting Cancer Survivors 6 & 7 Coping with Waiting 7 Cancer Society Wellington Cancer Update 2013 8 Personalised Medicine 8 Indwelling Catheters: A New Way to Treat Lung Pleural Effusions 9 Flu Vaccine Time 9 Play that CD 9 Coping with Breathlessness 10 & 11 Living With Cancer-Related Breathlessness 10 Us Up Front and Centre 11 Life’s Too Short..... 11 Relay For Life - Special Whānau Gathering 12 Farewell and Welcome 12 A Slip of the Tongue 12 Faster Cancer Treatment 12 Being Lymphoedema Savvy 13 Caught Unawares 13 Library Update 14 Five Lessons From Geese 15 Luminous Moments 15 Challenges and Achievements in Quitting Smoking 16 Questions You Have Asked 17 What Does a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Really Mean? 17 The Stigma of Smoking 18 CanSurvive Celebrates 18 Smoking Affects the Mouth 18 Support Groups 19 What’s On in Our Centres 20 Other Supportive Services 21 CanSupport Programme 22 & 23 Contacting Cancer Society Back page

Editorial

Months of work go into preparing for Relay For Life. Teams need to be formed and then undertake weeks of fundraising before the actual Relay For Life event. It’s never easy thinking up new and innovative ideas to make money - but as always the stories told at Relay never cease to impress us. Survivors want to give back, families and friends want to give back, and hundreds of people generously enter into the spirit of supporting. Big or small – it all makes a difference. Relay For Life’s motto: Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back! is taken seriously and our recent events resounded with people having a good time, as well having that quiet reflective time to remember so many good friends or family.

The Wellington Division held four events this year – in Marlborough, Wairarapa, Kapiti and Wellington. Our congratulations and thanks go to all those people who played a part in all these successful events. The Cancer Society operates completely on public donations and we are always so grateful for the way people respond to help us do our work.

Drew Hadwen, Events and Promotion Coordinator, said that this year we had 85 teams at the Wellington event – and the biggest number of school teams ever. ‘It was such a buzz seeing them all take part’, she said, ‘It was great to see a real commitment to healthy eating with one team, Moana Pacific (Fisheries) Biggest Losers offering a healthy kai stand with mussel fritters, prawn kebabs, fish portions or corn fritters. What a great example!’ A real bonus this year (along with the great weather) was that the Wellington City Council was unable to set off its sprinklers due to the water ban!

Money is still coming in and the final total will be known in May. However, such is the enthusiasm of the teams that many have already registered for next year!

Enjoy this issue of CanTalk.

Sue Corkill - Editor

Disclaimer: Many of the articles in the publication are sourced from overseas. The inclusion of these items does not imply that procedures, treatments, or tests reported herein are approved of, or available in NZ. These articles are for discussion purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Cancer Society New Zealand.

Contact: Sue Corkill, Cancer Society Wellington, 52 Riddiford Street, Newtown, or email: [email protected] regarding any information in (or contributions to), the CanTalk newsletter. This CanTalk newsletter is compiled and edited by Cancer Society Wellington and is available online at www.cancernz.org.nz

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Looking after Your Bones During and After Cancer TreatmentCancer treatments can affect bone health and upset the delicate balance of bone growth and bone destruction, bone density and bone strength so it is important to look after your bones.

Breast Cancer & Pre-menopausal women: Breast cancer treatment causes more than 60% of women to go into a ‘chemically induced’ premature menopause – i.e. it causes the ovaries to stop working. This may not be permanent, but oestrogen is important for bone maintenance and a decrease in it can result in bone loss. Studies have shown that bone mineral density is reduced in the spine (6%-7.5%) and femoral neck (2% -4.5%) within a year of treatment (Shapiro et al., in Journal Clinical Oncology 2001;19:3306-3311). This is also due to the direct effect of the chemotherapy. The risk of osteoporosis is increased in some women.

Breast Cancer & Post-menopausal women: Most women who have oestrogen and/or progesterone hormone receptors are given aromatase inhibitors to suppress their hormone levels. Unlike tamoxifen which appears to have a bone-protective effect, the aromatase inhibitors such as Letrozole (Femara)and Anastrozole (Arimidex) cause bone loss and a slight increase of fracture risk.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is stimulated by the male hormone testosterone. Men with prostate cancer are also often treated with anti-hormonal therapy such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, anti-androgens (such as flutamide), or aromatase inhibitors to lessen testosterone.These treatments also result in loss of bone mass and

Bone BehaviourOur bones naturally thin as we age.

Thin bones do not necessarily mean weak bones – much depends on a number of risk factors which include family history, medical history and treatments, and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, a diet low in Vitamin D and calcium, and/or a lack of exercise.

Many people age with their bones thinning but maintaining their bone strength.

The official term for thinning of the bones is osteopenia. This process happens naturally as we age.

Osteoporosis, however, is a condition whereby people have thin bones that are also weak. This is because they have lost bone mass, the bone tissue has deteriorated and they have what is known as ‘a fragility factor’. This puts them at a much greater risk of bone fractures – particularly in the hip, spine, wrist and shoulder.

Osteoporosis is different to osteoarthritis – which is a disease of the joints and the surrounding tissue. Many people are confusingly labelled as having osteoporosis when in fact they only have low bone mass density.

put men at risk of fractures. Radiation, chemotherapy and some pain medications can also contribute to a decrease in bone strength.

Some cancers such as Multiple Myeloma start in the bone and other cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, kidney and thyroid cancers can spread to the Continued on page 4


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How Bone Builds and RemodelsBone is amazing tissue that constantly works to remove old and damaged bone and replace it with new bone. These specialised bone cells are known as osteoblasts (building new bone) and osteoclasts (collapsing and breaking down old bone). This is a highly organised process called bone remodelling and is kept in a very fine balance. As we age, the repair process continues but a little less bone is replaced with each renovation so that from about the age of 35 when we reach our peak bone mass, we slowly start losing more bone than we build, and this can make the microarchitecture of the bone inside more fragile.

Bones need hormonesA number of our hormones play an important part in looking after our bones. Both the female hormone oestrogen and the male hormone testosterone play an important part. Both help to regulate how calcium is metabolised, which in turn affects our bone formation and bone loss. Other hormones from our thyroid (calci-tonin) and parathyroid glands (parathormone), along with our adrenal hormones called gluco-corticoids or steroids indirectly affect bone loss. However, there are wide variations in how different people are affected by reductions in their hormones.

Continued from page 3bones. These cancer cells damage the bone as they grow and also release proteins that interfere with the bone remodelling process. These proteins (cytokines and growth factors) cause the cells that break down bone to go into overdrive so that they destroy bone faster than it can be built.

They can cause the bones to become weak or unstable, increasing the risk of complications such as bone fractures or breaks. They also cause pain. These bones can release high levels of calcium into the blood stream and this can lead to nausea, fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and possibly confusion. The bones most commonly affected are the upper arm and leg bones, the ribs, spine, pelvis and skull. Treatment can make a big difference and includes good pain relief, surgery, radiotherapy and medication.Reference: Brusky. A: Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss: Pathophysiology and Clinical Perspectives - The Oncologist 2008,13:187-195

How Do I look After My Bones?To reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures:

• Eat a well balanced diet and have 3 servings of calcium-rich food and beverages every day;

e.g. a serving is: 1 cup of milk, 1 pottle of yoghurt, 2 slices (40g) of cheese

• Other good sources include fish such as canned sardines, and salmon eaten with bones, mussels - fresh or smoked, tofu made with added calcium, almonds, and green vegetables such as broccoli, silverbeet and spinach.

• Vitamin D and calcium work together to strengthen bones. The best source of vita-min D is sunshine on your skin. If you cannot expose your skin to sunlight - you may need a vitamin D supplement. Discuss this with your doctor.

• Have 30 minutes of weight-bearing physical activity each day.

To Maintain Bone Strength:

• Be smoke free• Limit your intake of alcohol to 2 or less stan-

dard drinks a day• Reduce your caffeine intake to less than 6

cups of coffee, tea or cola drinks per day• Limit the amount of salt in your diet• Keep your weight within a healthy range.

Adapted from How to look after your bones - Healthy Eating; Healthy Ageing- Kai Hauora, Hauora Pakeke - Canterbury District Health Board

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Bones and ExerciseOne of the most important things you can do for yourself to improve your bone health (providing you have your physiotherapist or doctor’s approval) is to exercise. Many cancer patients, especially those with bony metastases, will need specific professional guidance on what they can manage.

Professor Robin Daly, Chair of Exercise and Ageing at Deakin University, Melbourne, states that the most effective exercises to reduce the risk of osteoporosis are those that involve some resistance and weight-bearing. These exercises need to be built up gradually so that you eventually work out at a moderate to high intensity.

Weight bearing exercises include such activities as jogging, bench or stair stepping, skipping or hopping. Sports such as tennis, basketball or netball are good, as are step aerobic or body pump classes. The areas to especially target are the spine and hips, as these are most the likely to fracture with age.

Older people need to particularly focus on challenging their balance and building muscle so as to reduce their risk of falling. Tai Chi and Yoga are both helpful in this regard.

Although all exercise is to be encouraged as it is beneficial for both physical and mental health, Professor Daly says that casual walking, and non-weight-bearing exercises such as cycling or swimming have not been shown to improve bone health, balance or muscle strength.

Sue Corkill

Reference: Osteoblast - Consumer issue Summer 2012/13 - www.osteoporosis.org.au

What are Bisphosphonates?Bisphosphonates are drugs that are used to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures and pain in bones that have been weakened by metastatic breast cancer. Examples include pamidronate (Aredia®) and zoledronic acid (Zometa®). They are given intravenously (IV) or orally.Bisphosphonates may also help against bone thinning (osteoporosis) that can result from treatment with aromatase inhibitors or from early menopause as a side effect of chemotherapy. There are a number of medicines, including some oral forms of bisphosphonates, to treat loss of bone strength when it is not caused by cancer spread to the bones.

Bisphosphonates can have side effects, including flu-like symptoms and bone pain. They can also lead to kidney problems, so patients with poor kidney function may not be able to be treated with these drugs. A rare but very distressing side effect of bisphosphonates is osteonecrosis (damage) in the jaw bones, or ONJ. It can be triggered by having a tooth removed while getting treated with a bisphosphonate. ONJ often appears as an open sore in the jaw that won’t heal. It can lead to loss of teeth or infections of the jaw bone. Doctors don’t know why this happens or how to treat it, other than to stop the bisphosphonates. Maintaining good oral hygiene by flossing, brushing, making sure that dentures fit properly, and having regular dental checkups may help prevent this. Most doctors recommend that patients have a dental checkup and have any tooth or jaw problems treated before they start taking a bisphosphonate.From: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-biophosphonates

Helpful ReadingCaring for Your Bones When You Have Cancer - http://media.cancercare.org/publications/original/42-ccc_bone_care.pdf?1302556799

Bone Health In Focus series - (for Breast, Multiple Myeloma and Prostate patients)http://www.cancercare.org/tagged/bone_health

Dr Susan Love’s Menopause and Hormone Book: Making Informed Choices, by Susan Love, New York,2003

Drug Therapy: Bisphosphonates - The Irish Cancer Society - http://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/files/content-attachments/bisphosphonates.pdf


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Supporting Cancer SurvivorsAt the beginning of February this year my colleague Dr Sue Walthert and I were privileged to attend the inaugural Cancer Survivorship conference in Adelaide, South Australia. Our interest stemmed from our involvement in our ‘Bridge to Health’ Cancer Survivorship programme, presently being provided in the Otago region.

The conference was unique in its scope in that it attracted a diversity of speakers including health care professionals, researchers and cancer survivors.Common to all was the pursuit of addressing the needs of survivors beyond treatment.

Dr Patti Ganz, a medical oncologist in Los Angeles, USA, led us into the conference with a thought-provoking lecture on the changing face of cancer. There are now more than 25 million survivors of cancer worldwide and this number will increase sharply over the next 25 years.

Dr Ganz explained that during the latter half of the 20th Century, much effort was focused on increasing survival through earlier diagnosis and improvements in treatment. Less thought was given to post-treatment and its impact on cancer survivors. The challenge today is to develop research for, and with, adult cancer survivors, to determine what their most pressing medical, functional and psychosocial issues are that require our support and attention and how we, in each of our fields, can deliver what is required.

This is a mammoth task to share. Traditionally we have always had our researchers and clinicians but pivotal to this mix are cancer survivors who know more about survivorship than any of us. This is a fundamental shift.

Over the two days there was a plethora of dynamic speakers, there to share their research,what they learnt from their experiences and their struggles.

I have space to mention only a couple who particularly resonated with me. Dr Lee Jones - (who hardly looked a day over 20 years), Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Duke Cancer Institute, USA, completed his post-doctoral fellowship in exercise oncology. He presented studies showing exciting results around

exercise used as a medication to prevent and/or treat various dysfunctioning parts of the body.

Dr Jane Turner, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Queensland, whose

interest is promotion of wellness after completion of cancer treatment, spoke of a current study taking place in which a structured tool was used to assist people with high fear of cancer recurrence.

Dr Turner briefly explained the tool, suggesting that you give your fears (only, but fully) half an hour a day of your full attention; beyond this one’s fears were to take a back seat for the remainder of the day. She used the analogy of driving your car and moving your fears from being the front seat passenger, to the back seat passenger. She suggested that if the fears were still having too much to say in the back seat, then you may need to kick them out of the car completely. They could then hop back into your front seat again tomorrow for half an hour of total attention. I loved the simplicity of this tool.

The outcome of the conference for all participants, was to develop a Charter - affirming the importance and value of collaboration, i.e. communication between survivors, clinicians and researchers, in advancing the field of cancer survivorship: Continued on page 7

There are now more than 25 million cancer survivors

worldwide

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Coping with WaitingThe following extracts are taken from the Coping with Waiting information sheet produced by the Cancer Society. It can be found on our website www.cancernz.org.nz.

Waiting for cancer test results, appoint-ments, to start treatment or to hear if treatment has been successful can be overwhelming and you can feel out of control. It is as if time has stood still and you can’t move forward. The uncertainty and anxiety of waiting in this situation can be as bad as physi-cal pain. It is hard to concentrate on other things and often our mind goes into overdrive, sometimes imagining the worst.

It’s a good idea to ask for a contact number to call if you haven’t heard anything in the expected time. This can help if you’re worrying about being “lost in the system”.

Everyone’s cancer is different. There is often a waiting time, a few weeks, before you start chemotherapy or radiation treatment. You may worry that your cancer is growing while you are waiting for treatment. Talking to your doctors/nurses about your concerns can be reassuring. Cancers are often slow-growing, taking years to develop.

Sometimes, waiting can feel very lonely, even with the support of close family and friends. Often, people don’t want to burden others with how anxious they feel. Your family and friends may feel helpless about the best way to support you.

Supporting Cancer Survivors - continued from page 6

• To change focus from illness to wellness. • To focus on maximizing the quality of life for all

those affected by cancer. • To foster partnerships with specialists,

community supports, researchers and survivors in the common pursuit of planning care and research.

We were then invited to sign the Charter to signify our commitment to work towards a collective community, supporting our cancer survivors.

Jo Scott-Weir, Supportive CareCancer Society Otago/Southland Division

Tensions can easily arise as you wait and some-times this can express itself in anger, or being impatient with those close to you. Recognize this is a difficult time for you and others.

Some ways to cope with waiting:

Ways of coping can include distraction and attention. Using either or both of these can be useful. Most people naturally do one of these more than the other: • Attention involves focusing on the cause of the problem. • Distraction is focusing on something other than the problem. Ideally, we can find balance between attention and distraction.

“Waiting for my partner’s biopsy result was awful. We tried to make time for each other and have at least part of the day full of normal things. I made an effort to cook a meal each night so we could sit and talk. ” Maria

New Information SheetsThe Cancer Society Editorial team have produced over 30 information sheets which are available online - www.cancernz.org.nz or from the Cancer Society.

New titles include:• Making Decisions About Your Cancer Treatment• How to Reduce the Risk of Bowel Cancer• Coping with Waiting


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Cancer Society WellingtonCancer Update 2013Annual Public Lecture

Each year Cancer Society Wellington has undertaken to educate, inform and support both the general public and those affected by cancer by focussing on a particular cancer and offering a number of differing presentations, culminating in a Professional Development Seminar at the end of the week. Each year we invite a known expert in the field as our guest

speaker.

This year our focus is on Lung Cancer and we are delighted to host Professor David Ball, a radiation oncologist and Deputy Director of the Division of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia.

Professor Ball comes with other impressive credentials – being a Professorial Fellow of the University of Melbourne, currently Chair of the Australian Lung Cancer Guidelines Working Party, a member of the Mesothelioma Working Group, and author of 115 publications and 6 books/chapters.Professor Ball will be in New Zealand for a week and his public talks - ‘Shining a Light on Lung Cancer’ - will focus on what is developing in the treatment of lung cancer and progress that is being made.

The way forward for the treatment of most can-cers is changing as scientists discover more and more about how different cancers are. They are particularly focused on the genetic make-up of cancers and the fact that no two cancers are the same. Two people can have the same cancer, i.e. lung cancer, but their actual cancer cells may be markedly different at the genetic level, which may mean they can both respond to treatment differently.

Personalised medicine is matching the best treatment – surgery, radiation and/or drugs - to each individual in order to get the best result for them with the least number of side-effects. And as genetic tests become cheaper with more and more patients able to have them, doctors are increasingly able to understand the genes that are driving their cancers.

This enables them to only offer drugs that are likely to work and be of benefit to patients. We have seen some exciting developments in recent years with the so called ‘targeted drugs’ being offered. Drugs like Gefitinib (Iressa) which was funded for non-small cell lung cancer last year in NZ and Erlotinib (Tarceva), are such examples where they can be offered to patients with the suitable gene profile. Importantly, understanding the genetic profile of a person’s cancer allows doctors to understand which drugs won’t work - so saving patients potentially unnecessary treatment.

Professor Ball will address this topic and more at the Cancer Update Public Lecture.

Sue Corkill, Cancer Society Wellington

Dates to Diary:

Tuesday 18 June: Nelson – 7.30pm–8.30pm Venue: Nick Smith’s Rooms. 544 Waimea Rd, NelsonRefreshments from 5.30pmThursday 20 June: Wairarapa – 12.30pmVenue: Contact Cancer Society Wairarapaand Wellington: 6pm–7.30pm Venue: Spectrum Theatre, Ground Floor BP House, cnr Customhouse Quay & Johnston St. Refreshments from 5.30pm

Personalised Medicine

Above diagram from www.mediapharma.it/

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Indwelling catheters: A New Way to Treat Lung Pleural Effusions

Malignant pleural effusions (cancer-induced collections of fluid between the lung and the chest wall) can be a common problem for people coping with lung cancer or with lung secondaries. The accumulated fluid causes breathlessness that requires procedures that can sometimes be painful to drain the fluid. Multiple admissions to hospital may be needed because the fluid tends to recur and build up again. Talc pleurodesis is the standard treatment for preventing fluid recurrence. This involves inserting a tube into the fluid, draining the fluid out and instilling talc into the space. This has a success rate of about 70%. If unsuccessful, further drainage procedures and admissions to hospital are usually required.

Indwelling pleural catheters are a relatively new treatment in New Zealand and are providing patients with a novel alternative for managing their pleural effusions at home. A small semi-permanent tube is placed into the pleural space (between the ribs and the lung) and passes underneath the skin and comes out on the chest wall. When breathlessness occurs due the recurrence of fluid, the tube is attached to a drainage bottle, and the fluid is drained off over 10-15 minutes. This can be done alone or by a visiting nurse. Indwelling pleural catheters enable simple painless drainage of the pleural fluid at home whenever shortness of breath occurs.

This treatment is now available in several centres throughout New Zealand, including Wellington, and is primarily used when pleurodesis is not possible or has not been successful.

Dr Nicola Smith, Respiratory Physician, CCDHB

The photos above show how a typical indwelling pleural catheter appears after insertion and how drainage occurs. Printed with permission.

Flu Vaccine Time Each year we face yet another strain of influenza (flu) that is expected to be especially nasty and 2013 is no exception. The H3N2 virus has been hitting the headlines as it has been badly affecting those in the Northern Hemisphere.

Christchurch residents were particularly affected last year with over 50 being hospitalized with hallucinations and nausea.

As reported in the New Zealand Herald (Jan 15, 2013), Dr Lance Jennings, one our top virologists, believes this winter many more New Zealanders will be affected.Those particularly at risk of getting the flu are those over 65 years, pregnant women and anyone coping with ongoing health conditions, such as cancer patients. Discuss with your doctor whether you can have a free vaccination.

Play that CDAny music we love listening to can make a difference to our well-being.

Joke Bradt, a music therapist in USA undertook a review that looked at 30 trials with a total of 1891 cancer patients who either listened to pre-recorded music or undertook music therapy.

The results, which were published in August 2011 by the Cochrane Collaboration, suggested that listening to music may help lessen anxiety, improve quality of life and pain, and can have a beneficial effect on heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure in cancer patients.

Read more: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006911.pub2/abstract


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breathing, sometimes sleepy-making doses of opioids and other sedatives are used, which augment the natural sedation that occurs with carbon dioxide retention. At this late stage of a person’s life, people may often prefer a level of sleepiness and comfort.

The goal of treatment is to get people comfortable at rest. It is not always possible to relieve a feeling of dyspnoea when people are active. However it is worth re-stating that it is often possible the fix the underlying cause of breathlessness or shortness of breath, and this must always be kept in mind.

Dr Brian EnsorDirector of Palliative Care, Mary Potter Hospice

Coping with BreathlessnessBreathlessness is a very common symptom in cancer and not just in lung cancer. Its importance is huge, not just because of its frequency but because it is, perhaps, the scariest of the symptoms people experience. There is an assumption that breathlessness is caused by a lack of oxygen but, in truth, it has a wide range of causes and getting an oxygen mask on is not as useful as people often think.

It is important to diagnose the underlying conditions causing the breathlessness, as many of them may be fixed. Such things as infections or anaemia can be helped quickly, and drainage of fluid from the lungs or the heart or even the abdomen, can sometimes be very helpful. Steroids are often used to relieve pressure and inflammation. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are very important in helping people to learn how to conserve energy, maintain condition, and learning the best ways to breathe. If somebody is short of oxygen, then supplemental oxygen may help, but often cool air across the face, using a fan or an open window, can be surprisingly effective.

When shortness of breath cannot be relieved by these interventions, this feeling of dyspnoea - (as it is referred to medically), can usually be relieved by a combination of opiates, e.g. morphine or oxycodone, and benzodiazepines. Opiates reset the thermostats in the brain which are monitoring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, so that a person is less sensitive to the highs and lows of these things. You may have noticed this in people who have chronic lung disease who have adapted naturally over time and become tolerant of surprisingly low levels of oxygen.

Benzodiazepines are used because they help anxiety and muscle tension which are intrinsically involved in the feeling of shortness of breath. The aim is usually to help somebody relax, not to make them sleepy. It is quite common to use a short-acting sedative such as a nasal spray for a quick effect - which also wears off quite quickly. It can be helpful to use these medications before somebody does an activity known to cause breathlessness in order to prevent the feelings of anxiety and dyspnoea arising.

For people who are in severe difficulty with their

Living With Cancer-Related Breathlessness (Te noho i te kore hā nā te matepuke) suggests strategies that address both the physical and emotional ways of coping with cancer-related breathlessness. This Wellington Cancer Society booklet, audio CD and action plan for breathlessness resource was the result of a research project conducted by oncology nurse Helen Costello. Her research showed that if people felt confident to use these strategies, they gained a sense of control in managing their episodes of breathlessness and were able to reduce their anxiety and fear. It is suggested the book is used with support from health professionals. Contact [email protected] or ring 0800 CANCER (226 237) for a copy.

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Us Up Front and CentreI am convinced that no matter how much you imagine, you can never actually be prepared for hearing those words ‘You have cancer’. My husband was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer mid-December 2012. On that day my world came to a screaming stop and I felt powerless. ‘The tumour is inoperable; you have two to three weeks at best, or we start the chemo tomorrow’, they said. We chose the chemo route and it’s now week 10. This disease and this diagnosis has affected us both; for him the contemplation of mortality, for me the prospect of loss. After 25 years together this has brought ‘us’ to front and centre - this is not about him or me - this is about us. While the pain is immeasurable and the reminder constant, we do feel like we have received a gift in so many many ways.

Every day, every week is another that we almost did not have. Our lives have changed; those things that took forever to decide, plan and actually do are now planned and done with less fuss and more fun. The conversations are more grounded, the decision making more precise and spontaneous. Dinner out has become precious, so intimate with no distractions like TV, the phone ringing, just my man and I spending a couple of quality hours together. The fact that he is eating and having a beer is a celebration in itself.

While our lives are now governed by treatment regimes and the uncertainty of how long, we know that each day is a day to be cherished. We feel like our lives have been accelerated and amplified, not in a way that has us rushing here and there, but rather pausing to enjoy life’s moments, being in the present and removing the clutter. Magnifying those special moments and deliberately going about our living. As the fatigue sets in and the side effects of the treatments take their hold, we reposition, we recalibrate and we continue to make the most of those moments, right now and in the present.Nina

In my journey with cancer there’s one thing that has struck me - in every conversation with fellow patients, sooner or later everyone will say, ‘Of course, I’m lucky because...’ Even when I think I’ve met the unluckiest person in the world, they remind me that they know someone far worse off.

I’m a ‘glass half empty’ kind of guy. I insist on calling my recent chemo my ‘first’, knowing there will be more, and I expect every lab result to be bad. But cancer has thrust me into a world of strong, hopeful and cheerful friends who have taught me to count my blessings.

And that’s changed me. I make the most of every good day and I tell my family I love them even when it feels a bit dumb. I try to laugh hard at least twice a day. I still enjoy a dose of misery every now and then, but I keep it in perspective. Life’s too short...

Paul JendenPaul Jenden is a Writer, Director, Choreographer, Set and Costume Designer, whose battle with Leukemia has inspired C – A Musical - a light-hearted journey through dark times, celebrating the human spirit and the triumph of laughter over fear. On at Circa Theatre, Wellington 6 July - 3 August

Life’s Too Short....


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A Slip of the TongueMy wife hosted a dinner party for family far and wide and everyone was encouraged to bring all their children as well.All during dinner my four-year-old niece stared at me sitting across from her.The girl could hardly eat her food for staring.

I checked my shirt for spots, felt my face for food, patted my hair in place but nothing stopped her from staring at me.

I tried my best to just ignore her but finally it was too much for me.I finally asked her“Why are you staring at me?”

Everyone at the table had noticed her behaviour and the table went quiet for her response.

My little niece said“I’m just waiting to see how you drink like a fish.”

Farewell and WelcomeCancer Society Wairarapa has lost two staff members who gave much to the community and the development of the services in the Wairarapa. We wish Anna Cardno, Centre Manager and Jacinta Buchanan, Support & Information Coordinator all the best in their new positions and directions.

Two new staff have been appointed from April. We warmly welcome Jeanine Gribbon as the new Centre Manager and Louise Cartmell as the Support and Information Coordinator. Jeanine currently works as an Event and Projects Coordinator at the Carterton Events Centre and has had extensive experience in the Not for Profit sector, having had senior management and fundraising roles with the Macular Degeneration New Zealand Trust, SPCA Auckland and the Breast Cancer Foundation. Louise is an experienced oncology registered nurse and has been working the last four years at DHB Wairarapa and has taken part in some Cancer Society workshops.

Relay For Life - Special Whānau GatheringWith three generations of their family now touched by cancer, Marianna Churchward comments, ‘Relay For Life is so special for all of us because every year we get together with other families and friends and remember those we have lost (son), celebrate our survivors (granddaughter/grandson), and support the carers who care for those who are fighting back (grandfather)’.

It’s one of the highlights of our year!’

Seen above from left to right: Anna Churchward, Lorina Cooper, Hayley Edmanson & Marianna Churchward - all enjoying the afternoon tea delights as part of the Survivor and Carer celebrations

Faster Cancer TreatmentThe Ministry of Health is committed to improving cancer care for cancer patients. It states that ‘the Faster Cancer Treatment programme aims to improve services so that all patients will have access to the same quality care within the same timeframes, no matter where they live’. One arm of the programme is The Faster Cancer Treatment indicators. Patients are now expected to be seen within certain timeframes once they have been urgently referred to a hospital with either a high-suspicion of cancer or a confirmed diagnosis. So for instance, a patient who has a confirmed diagnosis of cancer is expected to start their first cancer treatment (or other management) within 31 days once the decision to treat them has been made. More information can be read at the Ministry of Health website: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/cancer-programme/faster-cancer-treatment-programme

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Caught UnawaresMy lymphoedema was quite unexpected. I had finished radiotherapy feeling good with no side effects, apart from an area which looked like very dark sunburn. I forgot there was a possibility of lymphoedema occurring, especially in the breast where I now have it. Maybe the arm yes, but the breast took me by surprise. When my lymphoedema started I was unconcerned as my breasts can vary in size, but then the size difference became very noticeable and I became quite self conscious. My first port of call was the radiation specialist at the hospital who advised me to go and see my GP, which I did. He sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram, plus gave me antibiotics in case it was an infection. With the results of the ultrasound and mammogram showing nothing bad, I went to see my consultant who confirmed it was lymphoedema. He was not able to drain it as there was no actual pocket of fluid. I was advised that it could take up to two years before I might see the breast return to its more normal size. Not knowing what do to do next I happened to see an article in the newspaper regarding a lymphoedema therapist who was practising at the newly opened breast clinic, at Bowen hospital. I contacted her and subsequently had an appointment.

I have regular lymphoedema massages from her now. She has instructed me on exercises to help the condition and put me in touch with Healthy Steps, a Cancer Society programme that runs weekly classes. It specialises in exercise for people with lymphoedema. I also now go to the gym and swimming pool. I have found that I need to make myself go out and do things that benefit me and my health. I am normally quite a shy person and don’t take to change easily. The social aspect of mixing with other people - who are in a similar position to oneself, gives a perspective on how lucky one is compared to others who have suffered. The company is very enjoyable especially as you get to know each other.

“I developed secondary lymphoedema after treatment for cancer. I look differ-ent.... One leg is big, the other is thin . It ’s embarrassing..... People always stare . The lack of knowledge and understand-ing of lymphoedema in the community is unbelievable but I like to stay posi-tive about life . Lymphoedema is not a sentence but it is hard....very hard, but people manageable with the right care’

JAN(Quote from ALA - Australasian Lymphology Assn’s March Awareness Flyer)

Lymphoedema is a little known, ‘hidden’, disorder which affects the quality of life of many New Zealanders. Lymphoedema is the build up of fluid in the tissues. Cancer patients are at risk of secondary lymphoedema (as opposed to primary which is an inherited condition) if they have removal of, or radiation to, any of their lymph nodes. This has the potential to interrupt the lymph flow. Lymphoedema occurs if there is a blockage in the lymph flow, but predicting if this is going to happen is very difficult. It may never develop; may develop within months of the event; or may develop decades later.

Treatment for lymphoedema includes good skin care to avoid infection, compression garments or bandaging if needed, exercise (slowly built up and not excessive) and massage (self, or by a lymphoedema-trained therapist).

For further information about lymphoedema or to find a therapist, go to www.lymphoedemanz.org.nz or ring your local Cancer Society. Di Graham, Lymphoedema therapist

Make every month a lymphoedema awareness month

Being Lymphoedema Savvy

Excercise such as in the Healthy Steps class shown above helps participants manage their lymphoedema.


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Library Update with Julie Holt

New editions from the excellent ‘100 Questions and Answers’ and ‘Johns Hopkins Patients’ Guide’ series (all published by Jones & Bartlett, USA):• 100 Questions and Answers about Prostate

Cancer by Pamela Ellsworth, 3rd edition 2012.• 100 Questions and Answers about

Mesothelioma by Harvey I Pass et al., 3rd edition 2012.

• 100 Questions and Answers About Leukemia by Edward D Ball and Alex Kagan, 3rd edition 2013.

• 100 Questions and Answers About Triple Negative Breast Cancer by Carey K Anders and Nancy U Lin, 2012.

• 100 Questions and Answers about Liver Cancer by Ghassan K Abou-Alfa and Ronald DeMatteo, 3rd edition, 2012.

• Johns Hopkins Patients’ Guide to Cancer of the Stomach and Esophagus by Mark D Duncan, 2011.

• Johns Hopkins Patients’ Guide to Colon and Rectal Cancer by Nita Ahuja, 2013.

Living with Lung Cancer – My Journey by Thomas E Cappiello, Friesen Press Canada 2012. A well-written personal reflection on the challenges a lung cancer diagnosis brings.

Previvors: Facing the Breast Cancer Gene and Making Life-Changing Decisions by Dina Roth, Port Avery USA, 2010. Five young women, plus expert advice from many breast cancer and genetics specialists, guide the reader through the processes associated with being high risk.

You Can Get Through This – How to stay positive when you’re coping with breast cancer by Domini Stuart, Australia 2009. Highly recommended book with practical strategies to help women cope with the challenges of breast cancer.

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steligo, Johns Hopkins University Press, USA, 3rd edition, 2012. The latest edition of this excellent book which combines medical information with patient stories and support.

Dream New Dreams: Reimagining My Life After Loss by Jai Pausch, Crown Archetype, USA, 2012. An honest account of the emotional and physical challenges Jai faced when caring for her husband. A powerful story of grief, healing, and newfound independence. Slip Stream by Paula Green, Auckland University Press, NZ, 2010. A beautiful collection of poems by accomplished writer and poet written after her diagnosis of breast cancer. ‘The poems chart time passing and seasons turning by procedures done, books read, appointments made, food cooked and dreams dreamed.’

Bangers and Mash – How to take on throat cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and win, with help from an NLP coach by Keith Hern. MX Publishing, UK, 2009. Food-and wine-loving photographer Keith Hern writes with honesty and humour about having throat cancer and coping with the side effects of treatment.

Goes Down Easy: Recipes to help you cope with the challenge of eating during cancer treatment by Elise Mecklinger and Daniela Fierini, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Canada, 2006. A collection of easy, practical recipes to deal with specific nutrition problems.

After You by Natasha McElhone. Penguin, UK, 2010. A compilation of diary entries and letters Natasha wrote to her husband, who died suddenly when she was pregnant with their third son. She describes with ruthless honesty, the stark reality of her grief while having to carry on as a single parent.

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Five Lessons From Geese As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an ‘uplift’ for the bird following. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.

Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson 2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go (and be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to the others).

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another flies at the point position.

Lesson 3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership - with people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson 4: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging - and not something else.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or catch up with the flock.

Lesson 5: If we have as much sense as geese we too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strongest. by Milton Olson

Luminous MomentsRelay For Life 2013 was extremely poignant for the Callaghan family. It was the first anniversary of the death of Sir Paul Callaghan – a renowned NZ scientist and visionary. Not only did the family celebrate with Relay For Life with a team of 43, but his daughter, Catherine Callaghan launched an e-book: Paul Callaghan: Luminous Moments. Catherine commented in the foreword that producing the book has been a therapeutic way for her to reconnect with her father. She wrote, ‘As he said in his address at Victoria University of Wellington in December 2010, published for the first time in this collection, the lesson he took from cancer was to know how to live his life accepting death, while at the same time living optimistically. He felt he had to live each day as though it were his last and, at the same time, live as though he would live forever’. This is a collection of some of Sir Paul’s most significant writing – short extracts delivered with wonderful messages on life. http://www.bwb.co.nz/books/paul-callaghan-luminous-moments


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Challenges and Achievements in Quitting Smoking

At the start, the idea of quitting for life freaked me out. Everything I had done in my teenage and adult life involved smoking.

Quitting is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and that of those around you. We are all familiar with those promises and resolutions we make... and then break every year. Why is it that habits are so hard to stamp out? Making any lifestyle change is hard, but making a lasting change depends on finding the way that works best for you.

‘It is clear that receiving sound health advice alone and knowing what we should do is not sufficient in itself to help motivate change’, advises Health Promotion Training Practitioner, Corrianne Simpson of Cancer Society Wellington. ‘People continue with their same old habits, even though they want to change, and can understand and recognise good reasons to change’.

‘An important part of the process is finding your own approach’, she says. There are a range of options available to support smokers to quit such as Quitline (www.Quit.org.nz) which offers support via phone or online blogs, and Aukati KaiPaipa (www.aukatikaipaipa.co.nz) which offers face-to-face support. An option offered in the Wellington region is the CanQuit Smoking Cessation programme. This six-week programme, offered by the Cancer Society, coaches participants to design their own personalized solution to quitting and how they are going to get there.

Participants work within a group, gaining and giving each other encouragement to stay smokefree.If you are interested in a CanQuit programme contact Corrianne on 04 389 0054 or email: [email protected].

I have made it for 365 days smokefree. Here are my stats: 1 year, 38 minutes, 52 seconds quit, 10,950 cigs not smoked. I’ve saved $7,105.28 by not smoking and I’ve saved 1 month, 1 week and 30 minutes of my life. Well, what can I say except it’s a lovely place to be.(Member of The Quit Group blog community www.quit.org.nz/blog

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Questions You Have AskedWhat is second hand smoke?You don’t have to be an active smoker to be at risk of a smoking-related illness.

Passive smoking occurs if second hand smoke is inhaled. Second hand smoke is the combination of smoke that is exhaled from an active smoker and the smoke that comes from the lit end of a cigarette.

Unfortunately, second hand smoke is a serious health risk and is a cause of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory diseases.

An article in the NZ Medical Journal (May 2012) estimates that second hand smoke kills around 300 people in New Zealand each year. A similar number to the annual road toll.

Children are also placed at higher risk of a number of childhood conditions through exposure to second hand smoke. These include glue ear, asthma, reduced lung growth and cot death (Action on Smoking and Health, 2002). Children are most frequently exposed to second hand smoke though adults smoking in the home or car. Unborn children are affected by second hand smoke if their mother smokes while pregnant.

Creating smokefree areas greatly reduces second hand smoke exposure. This was well demonstrated in New Zealand in 2003 by the amendment to the Smokefree Environment’s Act 1990 to include workplaces. Even for those who continue to smoke, making cars and homes smokefree is an action that you or your family could take to ensure that the effects of second hand smoke are greatly reduced.

Leanne Toledo CortésHealth Promotion Coordinator, Cancer Society Wellington

What Does a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Really Mean?

In March 2011, the NZ government committed to a goal of NZ becoming smokefree by 2025.This means that the smoking rate will be less than 5% ( currently 20%), tobacco will be less readily available, and that NZ children will enjoy tobacco-free lives.

This goal will be achieved by providing support for smokers to quit. Support for legislation which will protect children from exposure to tobacco marketing and promotion, e.g. plain packaging, and reduce the supply and demand for tobacco products, e.g. taxation

In spite of high public awareness of the risks associated with smoking, nearly quarter of all cancer deaths are associated with smoking.

It is important that Cancer Society New Zealand continues to provide leadership on this major public health issue.

Raewyn SuttonManager Health Promotion, Cancer Society Wellington

Photo above: Raising public awareness for plain packaging

Second hand smoke contains more than 200 poisons.

Winding your car window down does not remove all of the poisons - they linger long after the

smoke and smell have disappeared.


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The stigma of smokingIt hasn’t always been that smoking has had a stigma.

Fifty years ago, smoking was part of the daily routine for people at their workplaces, in their homes, movie theatres, on planes, or lifts. You would be pressed to find a place where it wasn’t considered okay to light up.

Times have changed. One reason for this, is that now that the effects of smoking are less clouded by the claims of tobacco companies and more informed by scientific evidence, smoking doesn’t have the same public acceptance as it once did.

Irritated coughing, sideways looks, comments directly aimed at people smoking all indicate the social shift that is occurring towards the acceptability of smoking. Even if a smoker lights up alone they still have to face visual warnings about the harms of smoking on the cigarette packet.

Those affected by lung cancer, whether they have never smoked or not, are also subjected to this stigma.

Leanne Toledo CortésHealth Promotion CoordinatorCancer Society Wellington

What a Team and …..What a day. The 10 year anniversary celebrations for the CanSurvive Dragon Boat Team commenced with a Boat of Remembrance at the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival on March 16th. The boat crewed by past team members paddled onto Wellington Harbour to join the current CanSurvive team in a Flower Ceremony - a tradition that honours breast cancer survivors who have passed away and those who are still fighting. It also acknowledges family and friends no longer with us and the contribution they have made to our lives and to the world.

To again pick up an original wooden paddle with the only limitation being oneself was an overwhelming and exhilarating experience. The highlights were a paddle off with the current CanSurvive Breast Friends team and an arch of paddles saluting all as they returned to shore.The CanSurvive Dragon Boat Team 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner is to be held on April 20, 2013 at the Wharewaka Function Centre, Frank Kitts Lagoon.Master of Ceremonies Simon ( Swampy) Marsh will ensure an evening of special memories highlighted with current successes.Mary McAvoy

Smoking affects the mouthSmoking is a major cause of oral cancer.

Oral cancers include the cancers of the cheek, gum, tongue, lip and the floor and lining of the mouth.

Signs of oral cancer may be white or red patches in the mouth that do not go away, sores in the mouth that do not heal, changes in the way teeth fit together or lumps and swelling.

If you quit smoking now, in five years time your chance of developing oral cancer is halved and continues to reduce over time. After 10 years, the risk of oral cancer is similar to someone who has never smoked. Heavy alcohol use is also a risk.

From: Smoking and the health of your mouth,gums and teeth brochure - Cancer Council Queensland

Top Photo: CanSurvive Boat of Remembrance. Bottom Photo: CanSurvive past and present paddlers.Both photos courtesy of Bob McAvoy.

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Support Groups

All these groups below invite support people as well as anyone who has had an experience with any type of cancer.

New members please contact: Virginia Lee on 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected] before attending.

Breast Cancer Support

Spirited Women1st Wednesday of each month, 12 noon-2.00pmCancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown.Bring some lunch to share. Speakers invited every 2nd month.Facilitated by Elva & Martina

Hutt Valley Breast Friends1st Tuesday of each month, 7.00pm-9.00pmSt Mark’s Church, 58 Woburn Road, Lower Hutt.Facilitated by Claire & Hazel

Spirited Women - KapitiBreast Cancer Shared Lunch3rd Wednesday of each month,12.30pm-2.00pmKapiti Community Centre, Paraparaumu.Bring some lunch (sharing it is optional).Contact Judy Dickie: 04 298 8514 or email: [email protected]

General Support

Wellington CanX2nd Wednesday of each month, 5.30pm-7.30pm, Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown. This support group is for those aged under 50 years affected by cancer.Facilitated by Gay & Abbie

General Support - cont’d

Upper Hutt Evening Support Group2nd Wednesday of each month, 7.00pm-9.00pm,Silverstream, Upper HuttFacilitated by Claire & Viviana

Porirua Cancer Support Group1st Friday of each month, 10am-12 noon20 Ngatitoa Street, Elsdon, PoriruaFacilitated by Natalie Contact Natalie: 04 238 4914

Other Specific SupportBlood Cancers Support GroupMonday 13 May, 6pm-7.30pmCancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, NewtownFacilitated by Hazel

Prostate Cancer (PALS)4th Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm-9.00pm, Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown. 23 April - Invited guest - Ross Scott - will talk about the Prostate Foundation.The group regularly invites speakers and enjoys discussion, sharing experiences, gaining of perspective and support. Contact Paul: 021 029 88258

Myeloma Support GroupThis warm group holds informal lunches 4-6 weekly in rotation at Kapiti, the Hutt Valley and Wellington. All those with Myeloma and support people are invited. Members are also willing to talk to any newly-diagnosed patient by phone or individual meeting. Contact Audrey: 04 298 3117 (Kapiti)

Mareikura Support Group for Māori & Whānau3rd Friday of each month, 10am - 12 noonWarrimoo St, ParaparaumuContact Miriama: 04 902 7095 or email: [email protected]


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Wairarapa GroupsContact Louise Cartmell for information about any group at 06 378 8039

Womens Support Group 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11am - 1pm Cancer Society - 140 Dixon St, Masterton Co-facilitated by Ngaire Potangaroa

Mens Support Group A group for men coping with any type of cancer. Every 4th Wednesday, 12.30pm - 2.30pm. Cancer Society - 140 Dixon St, Masterton. Co-facilitated with Clive Wilkinson

South Wairarapa CanSupport Social Network Group Meets socially every 3 months

Myeloma & Blood Cancer Support Luncheon Meetings offered throughout the year.Those newly diagnosed and those with multiple myeloma, leukaemia or lymphoma welcome. To enrol please ring the centre.

Independent group in Masterton supported by Cancer Society Wairarapa

Wairarapa Prostate Cancer Support Group 1st Tuesday of each month, 1.30pm - 2.30pm Facilitated by Robert Brader 06 370 8699.

Nelson

• Look Good Feel Better

• Survivors and Thrivers Coffee, Chat & Connect - Tues 21 May. All those you have had cancer or are supporting someone with cancer are invited to meet others facing similar situations. Warm inviting group.

For further information about these and other CanSupport programmes, eg. weekly meditation and swimming, Laughter Yoga, talks, ongoing support groups for those with prostate cancer, breast cancer, lymphoedema, Lost Chord club and more; Contact Linda Lucre or Sue: 03 539 3662 or email: [email protected]

What’s On in Our Centres

Wairarapa

• Look Good Feel Better

Support programmes are temporarily on hold as new staff begin in their positions.

Contact Cancer Society Wairarapa 06 378 8039 to find out about programmes being offered. Or email: [email protected].

Blenheim / Marlborough

• Look Good Feel Better Workshop - Mon 6 May

• Survivor Workshop series coming in May/June

We warmly invite people to drop in and see us, borrow books from our library and take part in our CanSupport programmes and talks which are very similar to what you see advertised in CanTalk. To receive the local newsletter please contact Margot Wilson 03 579 4379.

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Lymphoedema Management A small percentage of cancer patients are at risk

of developing a complication called lymphoedema if they have removal of, or

radiation to, any of their lymph nodes. This has the potential to interrupt the lymph flow and result in swelling which can affect function.

Classes on awareness and management of lymphoedema are run regularly.

Contact us at the Cancer Society - 04 389 8421 to find out more.

Art Therapy With Mary Brownlow

An opportunity for cancer patients or those close to them to express their feelings or fears through

drawing, painting or working with clay.

Art Therapy is particularly good for children who have a parent with cancer. It allows them to

express their fears and feelings in a very safe, supportive way.

Fee: $25.00 waged or $10.00 if unwaged.

Call Fiona Pearson on 04 389 0053

Art therapy also offered in the Wairarapa Contact Cancer Society 06 378 8039

Look Good ... Feel BetterA free programme for women with cancer.

Learn, through hands-on experience, techniques to help restore your appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation

treatment.

Be pampered with Leigh Renai and her team.

Contact us at the Cancer Society 04 389 8421

Silky Pillows

The Silky Pillow is a soft kidney-shaped satin pillow which can be worn under clothing to

protect your body from knocks and assist with a comfortable night’s sleep after surgery or

radiotherapy. Also excellent in providing a little extra support under the car seatbelt when

travelling. Silky Pillows are made by volunteers for those who have had breast surgery or

treatment. We offer them also to those who may like additional comfort following abdominal,

chest or bowel surgery.

Free of charge.

Contact us at the Cancer Society – 04 389 8421

MassageBobbie-Joe Wilson

Tuesdays between 9am-3pm

Fees on a sliding scale of $15-$40

Relaxing, soothing massages to help both mind and body.

Subsidised by the Cancer Society and offered at the Cancer Society,

52 Riddiford St, Newtown.

Contact us at the Cancer Society on 04 389 8421 to make

an appointment.

Other Supportive Services Finished your treatment?Our Information nurses invite you to a one-on-one programme to promote wellbeing for women after

early breast cancer.

CanNow — Moving Forward

Discuss your concerns, regain direction and energy after cancer. Contact us: 04 389 8421

or email: [email protected]


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In order to support those with cancer, the Cancer Society runs classes and courses for anyone currently in treatment, or for those who have received treatment. Any whānau/families affected by cancer are also welcome. Our courses are held in Kapiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wellington.

Most sessions are FREE but occasionally costs apply. Koha or donations appreciated.

Enrolment is required for all programmes. Each workshop has a minimum and a maximum limit.

To enrol please contact Virginia Lee on 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected].

In Lower Hutt: Bowel Cancer lunch and forum with a panel of health professionals

Date: Saturday 18 May Time: 12.30-4pm Venue: Dowse Art Museum (meeting room), Laings Rd, Lower Hutt To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected]. This lunch and forum gives those diagnosed an opportunity to network with others who have bowel cancer, to increase understandings of treatments and to learn ways of maximising health and wellbeing.

CanSupport Programme: What’s on May - July 2013

Wellington Drop-in Tuesdays - Before, during or after treatment with Cancer Society staff

Date: Each Tuesday Time: 11.30am-1pm Venue: Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, NewtownTo enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected].

Welcome to these weekly topical talks and Q&A sessions where you can gain help in managing the challenges of treatment and the after treatment period. Topics such as relaxation, better sleep, improving communication, tips for getting through treatment and beyond, as well as practical matters will be discussed. Each session will begin with ½ hour of gentle yoga which can be done sitting or a chair or the floor - just wear comfy clothing.

Men’s Evening with Edmund Salem (counsellor)

Date: Mondays 8 April & 10 June Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (with refreshments) Venue: The Wellesley Boutique Hotel, 2-4 Maginnity St, Wellington To enrol: Contact Elva Phillips (Sweet Louise) by texting 021 328 835 or email:[email protected]. (Can enrol on day).This evening, hosted by Mary Potter Hospice and Sweet Louise is an opportunity for men caring for a family member/s with any life-threatening cancer to discuss the issues they are experiencing.

In Wellington: Cancer Focus talk - Reducing risk for bowel cancer: family history, diet and lifestyle with Professor James St John Date: Wednesday 1 May Time: 7pm-8.30pm Venue: Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown. To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected].

Prof James St John is visiting NZ from Australia and we are delighted he is offering this opportunity to hear him speak. Prof James St John , Gastroenterologist and Senior Honary Associate of Cancer Council Australia, has a special interest in familial or inherited cancer and population screening for bowel cancer. He has been associated with the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program since its inception in 2001 and was closely involved in the establishment of clinical services for those with familial bowel cancer.

23


Healthy-Steps: weekly excercise classes in 3 regions

Mondays, 6pm-7pm, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown with Naena

Thursdays (during school term) 10.00-11.30am, DanzPort, Upper Hutt - with Kathy

Saturdays, 9.15am - 10.00am, St John’s Church Hall, Johnsonville - with Di

‘Healthy Steps’ is a therapeutic exercise and movement class designed to stimulate your lymphatic system and boost your energy. Highly recommended during and following any cancer treatment. Family also welcome. There is a charge of $5 per class.To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 389 0084 or email: [email protected]

Wellington - Living Well for those people affected by cancer that won’t go awayDate: Starting Monday 8 July for 3 weeks Time: 11.30-1pm (Light lunch included) Venue: Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown. Facilitators: Hazel & Virginia To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 389 8421 or email: [email protected] This 3 week programme is designed to help you with those issues, questions and emotions that arise when cancer isn’t responding to treatment.

In Lower Hutt - Lymphoedema Education and Management with Hilary Bartle Date: Tuesday 25 June Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm Venue: James Coe (2) room, Dowse Art Gallery, Laings Road, Lower Hutt To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected].

This 1½ hour information session is offered to those whose cancer or cancer treatments have affected the lymph nodes (sometimes called glands). Those living with, or at risk of lymphoedema are welcome, along with any whānau/family.

Hilary Bartle is a registered nurse who is trained in all aspects of lymphoedema management. Currently she works part-time for a breast surgeon and in her own private lymphoedema practice.

Wellington: What am I entitled to?This informative session is offered as an individual appointment. The 50 minute session will cover your questions around entitlements and how to access and navigate health and social services.

To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 389 0084

In Porirua - Gentle massage techniques for family and whānau to learn with Mr Bobbie-Joe Wilson

Date: Friday 10 May Time: 9.30am-12midday Venue: Ora Toa, 20 Ngatitoa St, Elsdon To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected] / or Natalie Kini 238 4914. Places are limited, so please let us know if you want to come.

This workshop will give you some ‘tricks of the trade’ for gentle massage techniques to use on someone who has cancer.

In Wellington: Cancer Focus talk - How to abolish anxiety with Dr Patrick McCarthy Date: Wednesday 5 June Time: 7pm-8.30pm Venue: Cancer Society, 52 Riddiford St, Newtown. To enrol: Contact Virginia Lee 04 389 0084 or email: [email protected].

Dr McCarthy is New Zealand’s only doctor specialising in Medical Hypnosis. He is the author of Relax: Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Panic which had an excellent review in CanTalk Issue 65, and the author of Quit; Say Goodbye to Smoking which allows people to stop smoking.


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Newsletters with local content are available in Nelson, Wairarapa and BlenheimPlease contact your local Cancer Society office.

Nelson: 03 539 3662Blenheim: 03 579 4379Wairarapa: 06 378 8039

For Cancer Information and Support phone 0800 CANCER (226 237)or go to www.cancernz.org.nz

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0800 CANCER (226 237)

Cancer Information Helpline

The Cancer Society’s free support services can help you or someone you care about

• understand cancer• talk with others• understand treatment• find support

Wellington (04) 389 8421

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Visit the Wellington Division at 52 Riddiford St, Newtown Wellington 6021

Email: [email protected] www.cancernz.org.nz

Documents

newsletter - Home | Cancer Society NZ€¦ · Challenges and Achievements in Quitting Smoking 16 Questions You Have Asked 17 What Does a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 ... impress us. Survivors