Committee

Jennifer Woodroofe - (December 2009)

In 1997 I noticed something in my left breast which was more a feeling than a lump. A week after seeing my GP a partial mastectomy led to the diagnosis of a medullary breast cancer and this was followed by an auxillary lymph node dissection with a positive sentinel node. In my case the breast cancer was not detected by mammogram and without an ultrasound the outcome could have been very different. 6 weeks of radiotherapy and 3 months of CMF chemotherapy followed the operations. These are not times I would like to repeat in a hurry, but I did manage to keep working all the way through. Unfortunately, breast and arm lymphoedema have resulted from the treatments, but as long as I stay alert to the triggers, it can be controlled. Lymphoedema is something that breast cancer patients who have had lymph node removal should be told about. It can happen at any stage of the journey.

My family (husband, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 1 very demanding Abyssinian cat), friends, a positive attitude, keeping busy, listening to one’s body and its needs, gardening, reading, and Ten Pin Bowling are all very important to me. And specially, I love listening to birds singing in the trees.

Barbara Mason

From 1975 to 1996 I was a scientific officer for the Auckland Breast Cancer Study Group and then employed on a Health Research Council Grant studying insulin-like growth factors in breast cancer. During this time Barbara Holt invited me to meetings of Breast Cancer Action (now Breast Cancer Network) and I have been on the committee since 1998. Leaving oncology nursing and entering research satisfied my desire to contribute to prevention and cure of cancer. It is this same desire and the enjoyable company that keeps me on the Breast Cancer Network committee.

Anne Iosefa

Anne was diagnosed in 1989 "out of the blue" as having a largish breast tumor and after checking alternatives, [for which little information was available at that time] had a mastectomy-reconstruction done. She was introduced to BCN by a friend of hers who also had been in treatment, and became interested in this outward-looking group who were not bogged down in only-establishment treatments, having enquiring minds. Since that time prevention has become her consuming interest, working in concert with other energetic members of the committee towards this end, with a 2003 project being "Stop Cancer Where it Starts".

Carmel Clark

My diagnosis was during Breast Cancer Awareness month October 1999, I was 38. At the time I was the breadwinner for my family, running a business and had two small children. It was important for me to get back to ‘normal’ as soon as possible and within 4 weeks of my mastectomy and reconstruction I was back at work. Having a number of responsibilities and people dependant on me helped me to recover quickly and ‘get on with my life’. Since that time I have met many women and formed strong friendships through the Breast Cancer connection, and would definitely say that Breast Cancer has had a positive effect on my life. It was not until sometime later that I had the time and space to reflect on my diagnosis and began to read more widely, it was then that I found Upfront. I am a recent addition to the BCN Committee; I joined to offer my assistance in the area of business and finance.

Sue McLeod

Sue trained as a Radiographer and has a diploma from Waikato University, Tohu Whakamana Tangata. At 49yrs in 1996 she just knew she would write her BC journey and she did - "The Unremarkable Nipple". From there she progressed her educational awareness for herself and others by establishing the NZ Community Development Trust web site www.breast.co.nz.

Sue enjoys guest speaking and encouraging others with breast cancer to take charge of their health. She featured on the NZ documentary, 'The Naked Breast". Sue is interested in environmental influences on breast cancer and in removing barriers to best practice treatment and care for all New Zealand women. She is married to Allan and has 3 adult daughters and two grandchildren.

Gillian Woods

Gillian worked in the field of medical laboratory science for many years and a few years ago changed to her present library work. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 she trained as a support visitor, and later joined Breast Cancer Action Aotearoa New Zealand – now Breast Cancer Network. The group was working with others towards free screening, and published a unique newsletter that expressed women’s own views. The group was also questioning the dramatic rise in breast cancer incidence. The focus on risk reduction and prevention grew, and forms part of BCN’s role today. Gillian is involved in the BCN Stop Cancer Where it Starts project.

She is married and has 3 fantastic grandchildren. She says that although more women survive breast cancer now, we still need to work together for equitable breast cancer services for everyone, and to spread information widely to young women about reducing risk.

Linley Rivers

Linley worked on the BCN committee for many years and after a break has returned to help out again. She is a long-term and enthusiastic member of the Busting with Life dragon boat team, has participated in many regattas and competitions both locally and overseas, and shared in the team's many successes. She also takes part in paddling in waka ama (outriggers).  Linley works in the field of Mental Health. She has had breast cancer twice, and has now remained cancer-free and healthy for 15 years.

Sue Claridge - Upfront Editor

Coming from the happy position of not having had breast cancer, the months since starting as editor of Upfront have been a steep learning curve for me. While I thought that I was pretty well informed about breast cancer issues, being a woman concerned about my health and the mother of a daughter, in reality I have found that the whole business of breast cancer, from diagnosis through to post treatment life adjustment, is a complicated business for any woman who is forced to have to contend with this disease.

Over the last few years I have become increasingly involved in public health issues as a freelance researcher and writer. I prefer to work on projects which I feel will make a difference to people's lives and that is reflected in much of my recent work: editing a quarterly newsletter for a non-profit organisation and freelance writing for Organic New Zealand and Healthy Options magazines.

There are a number of issues which come up time and again and breast cancer is no different. One of the things about which I harbour the greatest concern is informed consent and the making of informed decisions. I am a staunch advocate of the rights of women to obtain information and to make informed decisions about their health. Sadly, I am coming to the conclusion that this is as big an issue for women with breast cancer as it is for any other sector of the community dealing with any other health issue. Women faced with breast cancer are particularly vulnerable and it is essential that they feel that they 'own' the decisions surrounding their care and recovery. I hope that in my role as editor of Upfront, I can help inform women and facilitate more informed decision making.

My husband Bryan and I have two children, Stephie and Jordan, and a loopy Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marley. I'm passionate about writing, organics, the environment and a better, healthier life. In my 'free' time I enjoy photography, house renovation and building furniture and one day I'll get back to camping, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.

Jennfer Woodroofe