ReachOutMEMBER’S NEWSLETTER - JULY 2017

www.sweetlouise.co.nz | facebook.com/sweetlouiseNZ

A few months later I had a coughing fit that resulted in serious back pain. I went to see a Doctor and Physiotherapist my but x-rays came back as normal. Again, thinking nothing more of it than a bad back I continued as best as I could with daily life. But the pain got worse. It got to a point where I couldn’t walk. I was finally referred to a specialist for an MRI. And just like that, after months of not understanding what was wrong with me I was told I had incurable breast cancer. It was October 11th a week from my 33rd birthday. On the day of my diagnosis the specialist said to me “This is bad” and when I asked “How bad?” he said “There isn’t going to be a cure.” I was stunned. My brain shut down. I thought the doctor must have it wrong. Even though I was living in crippling pain I didn’t feel like I was dying. My father cried immediately, yet I

remained frozen, completely unable to grasp what was happening. Years before that when I was 27 I had been referred to the hospital to have a lump in my breast investigated. The radiographer told me that I had dense breasts and it was normal for them to feel lumpy. At the time I left the hospital feeling silly, like I had over reacted. I also thought because there was no history of breast cancer in my family I didn’t need to worry. All of these false truths came crashing over me. For a few months I tried to distance myself from my daughter. My family stepped in and did such a good job looking after her I felt at times I wasn’t needed anymore anyway. It took a long time to come to terms with the fact that our lives together were going to be completely different to what I expected.

All about AnnaA LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO I WOKE UP ONE NIGHT TO A PAIN IN MY PELVIS. THINKING IT WAS NOTHING MORE THAN AN EVERYDAY ANNOYANCE I CARRIED ON WITH MY LIFE AS USUAL – WORKING FULL TIME IN THE CITY AND LOOKING AFTER MY LITTLE GIRL, ZOE, WHO WAS 1 YEAR OLD AND FULL OF ENERGY.

My daily life went from juggling work and motherhood to going from one hospital visit to the next. The pain continued, I underwent chemotherapy and moved into my dad’s house for support. Zoe, now two and a half is a happy distraction. Her boundless energy and cheeky smile fills the better parts of my days with love and joy. When night time rolls around though and I’m tucking her up in bed there is an undeniable sadness I can’t shrug off. Thoughts about Zoe’s future without me in it are so hard to carry. If I think about them too much I revert back to a state of shock. I’m incredibly grateful though to have the support of my family. Their love and kindness helps me in more ways than I can say.And it has been wonderful to have support through Sweet Louise. Visits from my support coordinator, vouchers to use to help with the house work, and tickets to take Zoe on an outing are always fantastic. Since the day of my diagnosis I have come to realise how strongly the mind is connected to the body. Even when I was in so much pain I did not accept that I was dying. An incredibly hard thing to accept, I struggle with this still. In the meantime, I’m here to try and live the best I can and be surrounded by those I love. I wish all of you strength and courage as you face your own journeys. Kindest regards, Anna

Zoe, now two and a half is a happy distraction. Her boundless energy and cheeky smile fills the better parts of my days with love and joy.

THIS MONTH WE ARE STARTING TO FEATURE MEMBERS STORIES IN OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS. Sometimes it can feel a little isolating having secondary breast cancer, and if it is difficult to get to meetings then reading about members who are going through similar physical and emotional journeys can feel like a relief – Phew it’s not just me who has been through this procedure, treatment, has had to have this difficult conversation, or is feeling like this!!!!If you would like to feature in our newsletter by sharing your story please contact your Support Coordinator or Joanna Harris on jo.harris@sweetlouise.co.nz. We will interview you either face to face or over the phone.

Five minutes of fame

Gel nails and chemotherapyDID YOU KNOW THAT THE APPLICATION OF GEL NAILS CAN ASSIST TO PROTECT YOUR NAILS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT? DURING SOME CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS YOUR NATURAL NAILS CAN BECOME DAMAGED. THE BENEFITS THAT THIS TREATMENT OFFERS HAS THE BREAST CARE NURSE AT THE MID-CENTRAL ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDING GEL NAILS TO HER PATIENTS.At the last Palmerston North Members Meeting our guest was the lovely Jannene Greer from the Front Room Beauty Retreat. Jannene's beauty business offers a range of beauty treatments including the application of Gel Nails.Jennene explained that a Gel nail treatment is a series of gel polish which adheres very strongly to your natural nails. Firstly your nails will be lightly buffed, a base coat applied, then a further two layers of polish (of any colour you wish) applied. Finally Jennene applies a top coat. Each layer is 'baked' under ultra violet light. This method adheres to particles in the nail and holds them in place. The polish dries instantly so there is no worry of damaging the finish. This nail treatment will last for approximately three weeks. The polish will need to be removed with acetone soak. Jannene recommends gel nails whilst having chemotherapy treatment. Once treatment is completed you may wish to have a break to let your nails see a bit of air and

light to help their recovery. Some of our members

have these gel nails and thoroughly recommend them.Jannene gave each of the members who attended the meeting a fabulous hand massage. I

was thrilled to be a 'hand model' to

demonstrate the gel nail treatment. As you can see

by the photo my nails look fabulous and what a bright cheery pick me up they are!During our meeting Jannene also shared more information about her business. The Front Room Beauty Retreat is a home based salon located in Palmerston North. Her belief is that when you have an appointment with her, you are not just receiving a beauty treatment but a relaxing, pampering and restorative time. All of the skin products Janenne uses are NZ made and natural containing manuka honey. Jannene also loves her garden and you will be presented with a beautiful little bouquet upon departure! Sounds like bliss!

Geraldine

Member’s BirthdaysTHIS MONTH THESE MEMBERS ARE CELEBRATING THEIR BIRTHDAYS:Ann-Marie A; Sue B; Jillian B; Julie D; Jackie E; Robyn F; Pauline G; Dipika G; Yvonne G; Rachael G; Maraea H; Beth H; Anne K; Toni L; Nicky L; Alyssa M; Melanie M; Julie M; Vasa M; Robyn M; Linda M; Bronwyn M; Marieta N; Mary-Jane N; Tracey

P; Julia R; Kelly R; Jan R; Shireen S; Marino S; Lin S; Nicola S; Emily S; Taei T; Ann T; Fely T; Janice W; Valerie W; Pamela W.We hope you all have a special and fabulous day with those you love!

Fiona Hatton - Following the HeartAfter 3.5 years as the CEO of Sweet Louise I am sad to say I will be leaving this October. I LOVE Sweet Louise, the women and men it supports, what it stands for and the people who surround the organisation. But after much family discussion we have decided to return to Africa. We lived there for many years before coming to New Zealand and we want to make the move back whilst our children are still little. We have decided to follow our hearts and go for it.It’s a few months away yet, so we have lots of time to find the perfect person to take on the role. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me on fiona.hatton@sweetlouise.co.nz

IF YOU LOVE SUSHI BUT DON’T WANT TO BOTHER WITH A SUSHI MAT AND GETTING IT INTO THE RIGHT SHAPE AND STAYING TOGETHER, THEN SUSHI BOWLS ARE FOR YOU! THIS IS A VERY QUICK EASY RECIPE THAT CAN BE THROWN TOGETHER QUICKLY, EATEN HOT OR COLD, AND MADE SIMPLE OR FANCY. THE MAGIC IS THAT IT TASTES JUST LIKE SUSHI!

Ingredients• Sushi rice - short grain/sushi rice

cooked. • Meat and/or Veggies of choice - I

like lightly seared tuna, julienned car-rots and cucumbers, avocado slices, seaweed salad.

• Wasabi mayonnaise - 1/2 cup of regular mayonnaise with a teaspoon of wasabi combined or to taste.

• Teriyaki sauce - store bought or homemade recipe

Method1. In a small pot whisk soy sauce, water,

and corn starch together until smooth. Add rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger.

2. Heat over medium-high heat until warm and then whisk in honey until dissolved. 3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and whisk constantly until desired thickness

is reached. Do not leave unattended, it thickens quickly once it gets boiling and will rapidly burn.

4. Taste and adjust as desired. If too thick, thin with additional water to desired consistency

To servePlace cooked rice at the bottom of a bowl, topping it with cooked meat and veggies and adding teriyaki sauce and Wasabi mayonnaise to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve! YUM!

Mid Year High Tea in AucklandAn old fashioned English high tea is planned for Members in the Auckland area on Tuesday the 25th July at 10-12am at The Surrey Hotel. We will be having guest speaker Brodie Kane to join in the fun and merriment. This replaces the usual Auckland Central July Member Meeting.

Tuesday 25th July - 10am-12 Noon The Surrey Hotel is at 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

Please RSVP to via email to karri.reading@sweetlouise.co.nz, or speak with your Support Coordinator Nicky or Sarah.

Sushi Bowls

HOMEMADE TERIYAKI SAUCE: • ¼ cup soy sauce [I like

reduced sodium], • ¼ cup water, • 1 tbsp cornstarch, • 4-5 tbsp honey or to taste, • 2-4 tbsp rice wine vinegar

or mirin, • 1 clove garlic minced, • 1 tsp grated ginger [Sauce will keep a week in the fridge]

SERVICE PROVIDERSNEW, UPDATES AND CHANGES

NATIONWIDE PROVIDERSWHITEROCK TRADING COMPANY (NEW PROVIDER)Online at www.lymphedemadiva.comPhone: 027 500 4282Coverage/Location: NationwideWhite Rock Trading Company supplies LympheDIVAS Compression Sleeves to help alleviate the side effects of lymph node removal due to Breast Cancer.

Pattern Sleeve $145, Pattern Gauntlet $115, Pattern Sleeve and Gauntlet $230, Pattern Glove $180, Pattern Sleeve and Glove $290Solid Sleeve $115, Solid Gauntlet $80, Solid Sleeve and Gauntlet $170, Solid Glove $140, Solid Sleeve and Glove $230Prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars Price includes Tracked Courier in New Zealand Pricing could change from time to time due to the fluctuation in the NZDollar to the USDollar.When Sweet Louise members place an order via website they should select “Direct Credit” option to place an order and put “Sweet Louise” and their names in their contact details.

AUCKLAND AND NORTHLANDMASSAGE WAIHEKE (NEW PROVIDER)Location: Upcycle Shop, Pendragon Mall, Ocean View Rd, Waiheke, Operating Hours: Seven days 9am - 6pm How to Book: Phone: 027 752 6146 Email: cushla@massagewaiheke.nz

Waiheke Island massage and beauty therapy provider either clinic-based or mobile service, offering a range of gentle massage and organic beauty treatments tailored to your needs. Mobile massage (60 min) $100; Mobile massage (90 min) $150; Clinic massage (60 min) $80; Clinic massage (90 min) $110; Aromatherapy/Facial/Pedicure Ranges from $40 – 150.

Members MeetingsJuly, August & SeptemberDetails of all member meetings are also posted on the Sweet Louise website - www.sweetlouise.co.nzIf you have any questions about Auckland and Northland meetings, please email your Auckland Support Coordinator or email karri.reading@sweetlouise.co.nz to see if transport is available. Please note times for individual meetings. Morning tea is provided.

Contact usWe love hearing from our friends, Members, supporters and anyone interested in learning more about secondary breast cancer.EMAIL:• members@sweetlouise.co.nz for member related

queries• fundraising@sweetlouise.co.nz for donation,

event or fundraising queries• accounts@sweetlouise.co.nz for any accounting

queries• info@sweetlouise.co.nz for anything else.TELEPHONE: 0800 11 22 77VISIT US AT: Sweet Louise, Ground Floor, 23 Union Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010WRITE TO US: Sweet Louise, PO Box 137 343, Parnell, Auckland 1151

AUCKLAND: West, North Shore, Warkworth & Northland. Sarah on sarah.thomson@sweetlouise.co.nz 027 371 8686 or 0800 11 22 77

Henderson: Monday 3 July, Monday 4 September, 9.30am - 11.00am, KPB Henderson, 224 Universal Drive Henderson.

Warkworth: Wednesday 26 July, 10.00am - 11.30am, The Grange Coffee Club 4/67 Auckland Road Warkworth,

Matakana: Tuesday 12 September, 10.00am – 11.30am, The Pottery Café, Matakana, 48 Tongue Farm Road.

North Shore: Tuesday 8 August, 10.00am - 11.30am, The Snug Knightsbridge Village, 21 Graham Collins Drive, Mairangi Bay.

North Shore: Thursday 10 August, 10.00am – 11.30am, Sovereign House, Smales Farm, 74 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, (Look Good Feel Better).

Orewa: Wednesday 2 August, 9.30am - 11.00am, Walnut Cottage, 498 Hibiscus Coast Highway Orewa.

Silverdale: Tuesday 4 July, Tuesday 5 September, 9.30am – 11.00am, KPB Silverdale, Cnr East Coast Bays Rd & State Highway 1.

Whangarei: Tuesday 1 August, 10.30am - 12pm, Daffodil House, 73 Kamo Rd, Kensington.

AUCKLAND: Central, East & South. Nicky on nicola.roy @sweetlouise.co.nz 027 328 8008 or 0800 11 22 77

Auckland: Tuesday 25 July, 10.00am – 12.00pm, High Tea, The Surrey Hotel, 465 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

Auckland: Wednesday 23 August, Monday 18 September, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Mercy Centre, 104 The Drive, Epsom.

Pukekohe: Thursday 27 July, Thursday 7 September, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Petals ‘n’ Pots Café, 25 Paerata Rd.

South Auckland: Wednesday 5 July, Wednesday 6 September, 10.30 - 12.00pm, Cafe Miko, Manurewa Gardens, 100 Hill Road, Manurewa.

South Auckland: Tuesday 8 August, 10.30am - 12.00pm, Columbus Coffee Mitre 10, 61 Lambie Drive, Manukau.

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Mid Central Meetings. Please RSVP to Geraldine if you can come along on 021 328 838, call our free phone 0800 11 22 77 or email geraldine.carswell@sweetlouise.co.nz.

Hawkes Bay: Thursday 20 July, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Birdwoods Café, 298 Middle Road, Havelock North.

Hawkes Bay: Thursday 17 August 10.30am - 12.00pm, Location in Napier to be confirmed.

Hawkes Bay: Tuesday 19 September, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Birdwoods Café, 298 Middle Road, Havelock North.

New Plymouth: Wednesday 23 August, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Bach café, Breakwater, Ocean Parade.

Palmerston North: Thursday 13 July, Thursday 10 August, Thursday 14 September, 10.30am – 12.00pm, The Cooperage Café, 723 Main Street.

Wanganui: Tuesday 15 August, 10.30am - 12.00pm, Cancer Society, 3 Koromiko Road.

Wellington/Christchurch Meetings. Please RSVP to Tracy on 021 328 835 or tracy.smith@sweetlouise.co.nz so we can arrange catering and try to arrange transport for you.

Christchurch: Tuesday 25 July, 10.00am - 12.30pm, The Papanui Club, 302-310 Sawyers Arms Road, Bishopdale (Look Good Feel Better).

Christchurch: Wednesday 20 September, 10.00am - 12.30pm, Blackcurrant at Berryfields Café, 161 Gardiners Road, Harewood.

Hutt Valley: Friday 14 July, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Alfred Coles House Cafe, 83-85 Butt Road, Petone. Friday 11 August, Friday 8 September, 10.30am-12.00pm, Location to be confirmed.

Kapiti: Friday 21 July, Friday 15 September, 10.30am – 12.00pm, Timeri Café, 340 Rosetta Road, Raumati Beach.

Wairarapa: Tuesday 8 August, 10.30 - 12.00pm, Clareville Bakery, SH 2 Carterton.

Wellington: Monday 31 July, 10.30am-12.00pm, Simmer Cafe, 103 Westchester Drive, Churton Park. Monday 28 August, Monday 25 September, 10.30am-12.00pm, locations to be confirmed.WAIKATO Meetings.

Our Waikato meetings are currently on hold as we wait to fill the position of Support Coordinator. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause! In the meantime, if you wish to speak to a Support Coordinator please ring our free phone line 0800 11 22 77.