From guest Blogger Jane BissellIt's high season for golf during the summer. Needless to say they're not playing in the type of clothing you see in our picture, at least I don't think so! I had a friend visiting recently. She has experienced breast cancer and we were talking about how our lives have changed as a result of our diagnoses and the surgery we had.Her cancer was very aggressive and so her treatment was correspondingly hard and lasted for some time.She had an initial mastectomy, an ..read more

From guest Blogger Liz PenningtonWe approach the end of another year, one that has brought with it significant demands on families and whānau, and seen communities continue to navigate notable  uncertainty.As we head into December we are thoughtful about the year ending and a New Year beginning. It brings with it some natural review and reflection. If we are working in a paid or unpaid capacity, we can assume that we've got a rest covered because we have some annual leave that we are takin ..read more

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.“Pooh!” he whispered.“Yes, Piglet?”“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s paw. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh CornerWe all need reassurance at some time or other, especially when we’re trekking down  an unknown pathway into a serious headwind, venturing into new territory, experiencing something in life that is challenging and scary.Having someone walk with you – someone you can be su ..read more

There is much to be said for support given by someone who has 'been there too' and that's why peer support is often recommended as a valuable option when recovering from serious illness or trauma.If you've had a diagnosis of breast cancer, being in a well-facilitated, confidential space with others who 'know how it is' can be comforting, reassuring, informative and very helpful. This type of support can be particularly valuable around the time of diagnosis because the person receiving such life ..read more

Last summer my pink miniature hibiscus started to outgrow its pot so I decided to risk planting it in the garden with the lemon tree and some other shrubs for company.The hibiscus had been a feature on my deck for years, flowering prolifically, a real companion of sorts, so uprooting it was something I thought long and hard about.It was quite an ordeal, removing the poor thing from its pot. Much of its root ball and soil was lost in the process so it was with a heavy heart that I transplanted it ..read more

I have always been an animal lover and for some reason dogs have always been my ’true love’. Dogs embrace everything I love about animals – beauty, loyalty and never-ending devotion and love. In my life, so far, I have had three wonderful dogs but my most special companion has been my liver and white Springer Spaniel, Millie, who has passed away, aged nearly 14 years. We had a connection right form her birth. She grew up with our children and she lived through our family’s joys and sadne ..read more

The Christchurch Support Group meets every third Sunday of the month, 10.30am  at Orderings Garden Centre Barrington's  Urban Eatery cafe. The address is 92 Stourbridge Street, Barrington, Christchurch. Join us for a coffee, good conversation and a stroll around the Centre. Phone 0800 273 222 for more information or just come along. You can also visit our Facebook page (link to https://www.facebook.com/Christchurch-Breast-Cancer-Support-BCS-220808834993394 ) and PM ..read more

but you're not.A diagnosis of breast cancer heralds the start of a lengthy period of treatment and recovery. Much depends on the individual and the treatments needed but that period can be 6 months, 12, even 18 months or longer.It's an unfortunate fact that surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and adjuvant therapies have side effects that are profound and can persist for a long time afterwards. Sometimes these physical effects may be permanent: localised discomfort and pain, reduced mobi ..read more

From guest blogger Jane Bissell You've been diagnosed with breast cancer and surgery is a few weeks away. Those few weeks may feel like years. You want something to be done now, you don't want to hang about. Many say this can be the most difficult time: The Waiting. The advice you may hear most often is, 'Just keep busy and the time will pass.' Easy to say ... and you may wonder if those who tell you to 'keep busy' have ever faced a situation like yours.  There's much to be said for that ..read more

From guest blogger Jane Bissell 'How can I celebrate Christmas when I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer?' Everyone is decorating their homes, shopping for gifts, buying up large for Christmas dinners and celebrations, and going to end-of-year parties … You've been given a diagnosis of breast cancer. The impact of a diagnosis changes our perspective during the festive season. Instead of wondering whether to serve roast potatoes, or potato salad with the ham, it’s “How can I celebrate ..read more