Support

Finding out that you or someone you love has breast cancer can be a life-changing moment.  It is important to know that help and support for people with breast cancer and their families, is available.

What is available:-

Locally in the Waikato

• Breast and Oncology clinic staff involved in your care and treatment
• Your GP and practice nurse
• Rachel Collier and Lyn Little (Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, Waikato Hospital) click here for more information.
• Waikato Bay of Plenty Division Cancer Society

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema (arm swelling) is possibly one of the most concerning consequences of surgical treatment of breast cancer.   We urge all women who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer, to find out where they can attend information sessions about lymphoedema.  If your arm starts to swell, please ask your doctor or nurse for referral to a lymphoedema therapist.   Waikato therapists include:-

• Jill Davies and Jenny Bayliss, Department of Oncology, Waikato Hospital - ph 07 839 8899 ext 96803
• Desiree de Spong, Aetiology Ltd - ph 0275 443 424. email clinic@aetiology.co.nz, www.aetiology.co.nz
• Linley Leuthard, Physiotherapist, Hands on Physiotherapy Ltd, New World Shopping Centre, Glenview, Hamilton - ph 07 843 2267

Exercise

Some people may wish to exercise during their treatment.   We advocate exercising after treatment.  Some local experts who can advise on exercising during and after treatment are:-

• Pink Pilates - Anne Matthews Physiotherapy Services - ph 07 839 3850, 027 612 1496
• Contours Hamilton Ltd - ph 07 838 3888, email contours@wave.co.nz, www.contours.co.nz

Psychological & emotional support and wellbeing

The incidence of depression is common following a breast cancer diagnosis.  Women should see their GP if they become depressed.   Some women may need referral to mental health services, a counsellor or psychologist.  Local services include:-

• Maureen Trainor, Clinical Psychologist, 100 Clarence Street, Hamilton - ph 07 839 1941
• Cancer Society funding for limited sessions

Healthy Eating

If you would like to receive nutritional care ask your doctor for referral to an appropriately trained professional (e.g. dietition either in public or in private).   Healthy eating during cancer treatment is essential to help you cope with the stress of treatment.    Local dieticians include:-

• Cathy Khouri and Niki Russell, Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists, Nutrician Care, Hamilton - ph 07 839 5064, em cathyk@nutritioncare.co.nz or niki@nutricioncare.co.nz, www.nutritioncare.co.nz

Breast Screen Aotearoa

Free breast screening for women aged between 45-69 years is provided by the national breast screening programme.  The aim of breast screening is to find very small cancers before a lump can be found on the breast.   Early detection and treatment has the best chance of success.

To join or to make an appointment please phone 0800 270 200, or visit www.nsu.govt.nz for more information.