Living with secondary breast cancer

TV3's 2009 Open Door documentary series featured Sweet Louise - view the full length feature here on the NZ On Screen website or see an edited version on the Sweet Louise site.

Visit Susan's Blog or read 'The Pink Party' : both offer honest accounts of life with secondary breast cancer. 

Over one thousand New Zealand women live with secondary (also known as metastatic or advanced) breast cancer where their cancer has spread to another part of the body. These women face repeated cycles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and the daunting physical, financial and emotional stresses these treatments can bring. Over the years those closest to them – partners, children, parents, friends and care givers – will also be affected.

Sweet Louise provides a wide range of practical and emotional support services for women living with secondary breast cancer. These services complement conventional medical treatments, offering respite, comfort, enjoyment and assistance to help women enjoy a better quality of life.

Membership to Sweet Louise is free, as are all services available through the redemption of an annual voucher allocation. Sweet Louise also offers a comprehensive website and monthly Member Meetings in Auckland and Wellington where women can enjoy fellowship and an entertaining speaker over morning tea.

Through the unique voucher system, women enrolled as Members can redeem their vouchers for services grouped under three categories: Sweet Louise Mind, Body and Helpers. Mind services feature counselling and emotional support; under Body, Members can choose from a wide range of services including massage and Reiki; Helpers offer practical services – Home Cleaning and Handyman Services are very popular.

Sweet Louise voucher services are available in Northland, Auckland and Wellington with more areas planned as resources permit. Women living in other parts of New Zealand can still join as Members and receive access to the Member-only website chat Forums and Journals and other information.

Women can also call toll free (0800 11 22 77) to speak with one of the Support Coordinators who are available to listen, answer questions, provide advice and information and offer an opportunity for a friendly conversation.

In 2009, the work of Sweet Louise was featured in a half hour documentary as part of TV3’s Open Door series. The full length feature can be viewed on the NZ On Screen website. An edited version is available on the Sweet Louise website. 

For further information or to join as a Member, please phone 0800 11 22 77 or visit the Sweet Louise website.

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