My Account
Jane Bissell used to sit at the back in class and not seek the limelight. But these days, she finds herself talking to women all over Rodney and beyond about breast cancer. The illness has also been the catalyst for a major career change and a whole new outlook on life. She has written two books that detail her journey from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Jane celebrated seven years in remission in last month, which coincided with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She talked to Terry Moore about her experiences ….
I received my diagnosis of breast cancer two days before I was due to leave my home in Arkles Bay and go to the United States to live and work. My family emigrated to New Zealand from Seattle, Washington in 1963, when I was seven, so I have a US passport. I returned there after graduating from university and began my career as an operations manager for an air-freight company in the US. I had decided to go back in 2001 to further my career and travel when I was told I had cancer. My diagnosis was not straightforward, as I was let down by the local radiologist I’d been going to for regular mammograms. I’d had a cyst drained and this left a hard area in my breast. When I had the mammogram there was a discharge from this. The radiographer reckoned it was because of scar tissue, but I wasn’t happy and kept insisting this didn’t seem right. I decided to consult Auckland breast surgeon Belinda Scott, and she did a biopsy right away. She gave me the news the following day.
My experience with the radiographer is not unique as many women get a sense that something is wrong, but have their concerns ignored by health professionals. This is why it’s so important for women to be persistent if they feel something is not right with their health, and to keep at it until they get answers. Always seek another opinion or further investigation, as it is not always offered. I know quite a few women who have slipped through the cracks. You never think it will happen to you, of course, but the fact remains that one in eight women in New Zealand experience breast cancer.
Treatment was to be a lumpectomy and radiation, but turned into a mastectomy and chemotherapy as Belinda found the cancer had spread into one lymph node. Going through treatment and recovering my health took two years. I moved back in with my parents and they looked after me brilliantly – especially my mum, who has Parkinsons disease. I have a lot of lovely friends who also rallied around and there was support too from the Auckland Cancer Society. I was able to live in the original cottage on our property, behind my parents’ place, and I’m still there today.
During this time I began coordinating the Hibiscus Coast Breast Friends group, for local women who have had breast cancer. We meet once a month at Red Beach Methodist Church for a cup of tea and a chat. We exchange information on treatments and services and support each other. Many women find that alternative therapies, such as Reiki, massage and yoga work better for them than more conventional ones. I found a natural healer in Albany who did wonders for me, putting me on a really good diet. All your organs take a battering during chemotherapy, so you need to adjust your eating habits. I also found meditation very helpful.
After all this, I couldn’t go back to my old job. It had been very stressful and tiring and I wonder whether that was a reason I got sick. Many women I know of say that stressful events, or work pressure has preceded their diagnosis. I’ve always enjoyed writing and have kept a journal since I was 17. My first book Welcome to the Amazon Club, published in 2004, was basically the journal I kept during my treatment. After it was published I didn’t work for a while, as I wasn’t very well and my health had to be my primary focus. Working part time for the New Zealand Writers Guild got me back into work, and writing. A friend, Libby Burgess, became involved with the Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition and I started helping them as a volunteer. It’s an umbrella organisation for 25 breast cancer related groups and is run by breast cancer survivors. Our work recently on the Herceptin issue was pretty well publicised. I am now a paid administrator for the coalition. We provide a free step-by-step pack for women who have been diagnosed with cancer and put them in touch with groups that can provide the help they need along the way. I researched and wrote much of the information that’s in the pack and my book is included too. As a result of this job, I field a lot of local enquiries from women looking for everything from treatment options to support services. It is very satisfying work – a lot better than chasing deliveries on planes.
I self-published my second book, The Pink Party, in November last year. It is partly a continuation of my personal journey, starting where the first book left off, but also includes the stories of two other women. Recently I’ve been doing readings and talks locally with both my books as last month was Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Pink Party was endorsed by Sweet Louise, a wonderful group who operate locally providing services for women who have secondary breast cancer – things such as massage, aromatherapy and other treatments that make you feel good and boost your spirits and confidence. October was also a busy month for me with fundraising drives and publicity around Breast Cancer.
I’m now able to work from home, which means I can help my dad care for my mum. Parkinsons is a terrible disease, but my mum is dealing with it marvellously well. I am writing my next book about her and she’s helping me with it, contributing stories and memories. We’re pretty lucky living on the Hibiscus Coast because there are a lot of support services here for older folk, it’s easy to get around and there’s a good sense of community – especially here in Arkles Bay. Many Arkles Bay residents have lived here for a long time and they all know my mum when she goes walking with her frame – everyone knows Betty.
A lot of positive things have come from having cancer. It certainly makes you more determined to change things that aren’t working for you and focus on what you really want to do. I was always the one with the big five-year plan, always looking ahead. While I was sick I sometimes could only see an hour ahead, then a couple of days. Even now I never plan more than a year ahead. Focusing on the present gives life more richness. I will keep writing, do some travelling, help others where I can and enjoy life.
