Two courageous women in Waikato are currently turning distressing breast cancer experiences into something positive and beneficial for others who may follow them on a similar journey.
Julie Graham and Marianne Jarvie were strangers until the unwelcome news was broken to each of them, just months apart in 2011, that they had Her2 positive breast cancer. A mutual friend introduced them after discovering they were both dealing with the trauma of this diagnosis and from that moment a lasting friendship has formed.
The similarities of their diagnoses meant their treatment plans have been almost identical though Julie, diagnosed a few months earlier, is a little further ahead in the journey - something that Marianne has found invaluable when they meet for their regular catch-ups over lunch. Julie has been able to share with Marianne what to expect at each stage of the treatment and this helped to spark their interest in setting up a support group.
Both women had also coincidentally contacted BCAC’s Chris Walsh enquiring about the group Her2 Heroes (for those with Her2 positive breast cancer, see www.breastcancer.org.nz) when looking for information about breast cancer and support. They learnt that there wasn’t a group specific to their type of breast cancer in the Waikato. Having found each other’s support as well as that of Chris, who had been through it all too, so valuable, they decided to launch their own informal network for women with Her2 positive cancer – hence Her2 Heroes Waikato was born.
Julie and Marianne want to reach out to other women with Her2 positive breast cancer to let them know there is light at the end of a very long tunnel (both women are still receiving Herceptin which is usually given for 12 months). They also want to share helpful resources, such as BCAC’s Step by Step pack, which provided them with plenty of information that they could take away and digest in their own time.
For both women simply knowing that other women had been through the same journey helped to calm their fears. It is this and their friendship that they want to be able to pass on to others.
Julie says, “For me there is an indescribable instant connection with other women who are travelling a similar path and it somehow brings a sense of safety to me; for example, my chat with Chris was very calming for me, as I was struggling at that time. I want to be able to do this for other women.”
Their very informal philosophy is to provide support and positive encouragement through a forum of friendship, fun, fitness and food!!!
If you live in the Waikato area you may have seen their flyers at Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy at Waikato Hospital and if you want to get in touch with Her2 Heroes Waikato you can either email or telephone (evenings preferred) Julie or Marianne using the contacts below:
Julie 07 824 0943 or 0272 909744 Email: mjzj4@xtra.co.nz
Marianne 07 827 4794 or 021 1746327 Email: m.jarvie@xtra.co.nz
