The Auckland South Breast Friends meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm at 55 Marne Rd, Papakura. Please contact either Annette ((09) 298 8172) or Jill ((09)268 0414) for details - or call us on 0800 BreaCanSupport (0800 273 222). New members are always welcome. 

Latest News: A little bit of NZ shared with Johannesburg Breast Friends

Helping out on Pink Ribbon Day

A little bit of NZ shared with Johannesburg Breast Friends

South Breast Friends Group Coordinator Annette visited South Africa last month and spoke about her experiences there, including her attendance at a Breast Friends meeting in Johannesburg.

"My daughter-in-law's mother is also a breast cancer survivor and she is my South African Breast Buddy," said Annette. 

Approximately100 women attended the Saturday morning meeting in Johannesburg and Annette was asked to say a few words ... and numbers attending were down due to school holidays!

"I received a warm welcome," said Annette. 

South Auckland Breast Friends also enjoyed a visit from Ann Houghton at their November meeting. Ann is a great hand crafter and conducts craft workshops. She brought along some of her beautiful creations to show, including cards and decorative boxes - great inspiration for all to try their hand at some Christmas crafts!
 

Helping out on Pink Ribbon Day

BCS Breast Friends always put up their hands to volunteer for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation 'pink ribbon day' street appeal and this year was no exception.

Pictured here is South Auckland Breast Friend Anita Boyens with National MP Judith Collins outside the Farmers Department Store in Papakura. 

Helping out our 'sister' organisations is something that we undertake gladly - and in this case, it provides a great opportunity to get into the frilly pink gear and help to collect donations for a really good cause. 
 

Poets' Corner!

In October we did not have a speaker booked so invited everyone to come along and share their favourite poem.

We enjoyed some delightful recitations and indeed we have a budding poet in our midst! Elizabeth has been writing poems for all occasions for many years so we were thrilled when she shared some of her work with us. 

An informal evening but a lovely one with fellowship enjoyed by all.
 

Taking it day by day 

Seven ladies came along to our September meeting including  two new ladies - Deborah and Shirley. 

The DVD we viewed on Wednesday night was called  Just take it day to day - A guide to surviving life after cancer and it was developed by the Supportive Care Research Group at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne.

The DVD explains what happens after cancer. People who have finished their cancer treatment can have all sorts of unexpected reactions.  Instead of relief, some people feel angry or sad for no apparent reason.  Instead of just getting 'back to normal', they find their old 'normal' has gone.  Cancer no longer dominates their time, plans and thoughts - and yet they can't just put it behind them and forget. 

The DVD explores what it's like to finish cancer treatment.  People who've been through cancer tell their stories of recovering and finding a 'new normal'.  They tell how they coped with unexpected emotions, with physical changes, with worry about the future, and with the reactions of families and friends.  The DVD also uncovers information from health professionals, who comment on emotional and physical changes after cancer treatment. 

These are the Chapters in the DVD: Reactions to finishing treatment, Coping, Physical consequences of treatment, Late and long-term effects, Impact on family and friends, Follow-up planning and fear of recurrence, Fertility, pregnancy and menopause, Dealing with sexuality and relationship problems and Returning to 'normal'.

Our group agreed that the other Breast Cancer groups may be interested in watching the DVD.
 

August is 'Pot Luck' month

Our August meeting was a Mid Year Pot Luck Dinner with our partners attending.  The evening was a very relaxing  with lots of laughter, stories, and plenty of delicious food on the table.    We had one new breast friend whom we welcomed to the group, who has shifted from the North Shore to Karaka. She attended the North Shore Breast Friends Support Group.     
 

Lisa's Wish

The guest speaker at our April meeting was Rosemarie Knapman-Smith from the Lisa's Wish Charitable Trust. Lisa was a Member of our group and before she passed away, she set up a Trust to provide a fun time for children of parents affected by cancer.

Lisa knew that children of parents battling cancer have to endure alot and sometimes miss out on just being children.

The Trust is run by a Board and sponsorships allow it to provide outings and events in the Auckland area. The outings are run by volunteers and Members of the Board. Trips so far have included the Zoom Primate and Toger Experiences and a visit to the Parakai Hot Pools.

If you know of any children who would enjoy a fun day out, please visit the Lisa's Trust website or call (09) 298 9618 or 021 037 3870 for more information. 

Our thought for the month: 'Magic happens every day, but only some can see it.' (Anon)

Auckland South set to enjoy another year of fellowship
 

The Auckland South Breast Friends enjoyed a social meeting in February, sharing Christmas stories and holiday adventures. In March we invited Aileen Magilsen (retired) to come along and speak to us about her experiences within the community.

Aileen is a Justice of the Peace, a Wedding Celebrant and belongs to Probus and the Lioness Club. We enjoyed hearing her speak about her roles as a JP and Wedding Celebrant. 

Our thought for the month: 'Friends are like seashells. Each one is different. Each one is beautiful in its own special way.'

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