Support

People react in different ways when they learn they have a gynaecological cancer.

Feelings can be muddled and change quickly. This is quite normal and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It may be helpful to talk about your feelings with your partner, family members, friends, or with a counsellor, social worker, psychologist or your religious/spiritual adviser. Talking to other people with a woman's cancer may also help.

Below are support websites to visit, click on the links for more information:

	Specialist private cancer care in Auckland (Epsom and North Shore), Tauranga and now in Whangarei, New Zealand.
	Find up-to-date information about providers, referral expectations, services offered and common treatments via Healthpoint.
	The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the leading patient advocate in New Zealand, providing a voice on all kinds of issues including cancer detection and treatment.
	PINC & STEEL provides support to people affected by cancer, helping them take their first steps on the road to recovery.
	Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) is the only worldwide cancer support charity, providing free, practical support for people dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment.
	Living with cancer brings uncertainty but there are targeted treatment options available that may improve quality of life, manage symptoms and have a positive impact on wellbeing.

Financial Support

Having cancer may mean you and your family may be affected financially. You may earn less because you or a family member have to work fewer hours due to feeling unwell or not work at all.

Additional costs may include:

travel
accommodation
petrol costs
medical bills
hospital parking
child care
food

Budgets become tighter and stress level's are increased.

Below is a list of some financial support that is available for those undergoing cancer treatment:

Accommodation

People receiving cancer treatment in Auckland can stay at Domain Lodge with a supporter, if they have been referred by their specialist or local hospital. The 54-bed facility is only a short walk to Auckland City Hospital for treatment.

Domain Lodge is a modern and welcoming motor lodge conveniently located in the central city and is an ideal choice for corporate or leisure, especially those visiting Auckland Hospital. More than a motel, Domain Lodge will fell like your home away from home with the best of Auckland at your doorstep.

For more information visit Domain Lodge

Volunteer Driving Service

If you are finding it difficult to get to and from cancer-related appointments, the Cancer Society volunteer drivers are here to help.

This driving service operates throughout the greater Auckland area from Orewa in the north to Papakura in the south.

For more information visit Getting to treatment

Work and Income

If you have a health condition or disability there are a number of ways Work and Income may be able to help you.

Stopped work because of a health condition or disability
Caring for someone
Travel and accommodation
Counselling
Prescriptions and health practitioner costs
Power, gas and heating
Phones

For more information visit Work and Income

There are different types of benefits available, Jobseeker, Sole Parent, Supported Living Payments and Childcare.

KiwiSaver

If you feel you are suffering hardship and have exhausted all other reasonable alternative sources of funds, you can apply for a KiwiSaver early withdrawal.

To withdraw funds you will need to provide evidence you are suffering significant financial hardship. If your application is accepted you can only withdraw your and your employer's contributions.

For more information visit Inland Revenue Te Tari Taake

Mortgage Repayment Holiday

If you have a mortgage and you're experiencing unforeseen hardship due to your diagnosis contact your bank and ask about reducing your loan repayment amounts, restructuring your loan or taking a payment holiday.

Useful contacts

Cancer Society Information Helpline p 0800 226 237

Work and Income Contact Centre p 0800 559 009

Community Services Card National Centre p 0800 999 999