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treatments and thus www.breastcancernirvana.co.nz was created. "The name came about as I wanted the website to help people find some peace,
support and inspiration - that breast cancer could take people to a good and potentially better life post cancer. Breast cancer can be a life changer in every way but also, many people in retrospect talk about how cancer somehow helped to change their lives for the better. Not everyone obviously but there is potential for it to be a positive change agent in people's lives," she explains. As well as telling her journey, it's been a vehicle to tell other inspiring stories, as
well as provide a hub of practical tips and resources. "I wanted to celebrate everything positive that I have experienced in my journey
and to raise awareness of breast cancer, especially amongst our Pacific and Maori women. Statistics show that we are more likely to die from the disease, more likely to get more aggressive forms of cancer and less likely to go for mammograms." Andrea was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer that only constitutes 20
percent of breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. She is still going through Herceptin treatment with side effects of fatigue, low immunity and headaches but is happy to receive this drug through the public health system as with her last diagnosis, Andrea was required to pay nearly $70,000 (the majority provided by friends and family through fundraising). Normally quite shy, she says the website has enabled her to reach out to a wider
audience, not only here but overseas. Knowing that it's making an impact has seen her continue to build up the website despite suffering regular migraines, nausea and allergies. "Women have told me they want to see more success stories of women who have
come through Breast Cancer with flying colours. If it gives people a little certainty about what to expect, then it's worth it," says Andrea.
WWW.GETOUTGERTRUDE.WORDPRESS.COM WWW.SWEETLOUISE.CO.NZ
PICTURED BELOW: ANDREA FAIRBAIRN
WWW.BREASTCANCERCURE.ORG.NZ
WWW.BREASTCANCERSUPPORT.CO.NZ
